Joyous Hanukkah Celebrations Around the World…That You’ll Love a Latke! Gabby Teaman November 29, 2021 Destinations, Family Travel, Holiday Travel, Interests, International Travel, Trending Stories No matter how you choose to spell it — Chanukah, Hanukkah, or חֲנוּכָּה in Hebrew — the beloved holiday is celebrated by Jewish families around the world in the Hebrew month of Kislev, which, depending on the year, can fall anytime from late fall to winter. Also known as the Festival of Lights, this special week commemorates the victory of the Judean army — the Maccabees — over tyrannical Greek rule around 200 BCE, and the miracles that occurred then. Today, Jewish people around the world celebrate Hanukkah for eight days and eight nights by reciting blessings and lighting menorah candles, playing games of dreidel (spinning tops), eating sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes), singing songs, and spending time with friends and family. (And yes, lots of presents!) But, each country has its own unique Hanukkah customs, foods, and overall flair. You’ll also find that while people may celebrate Hanukkah a little bit differently across the globe, the light, faith, and spirit of the holiday remain universal. So, if you’d like to experience a Hanukkah like no other, check out some of these unique Hanukkah celebrations around the world. Oh, and chag sameach! Mumbai, India [Image above “IMG_20161229_185525” by Chabad Lubavitch on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]While India may not immediately come to mind as a place to celebrate Hanukkah, many international travelers come to Mumbai just to celebrate the Festival of Lights. When you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about the small Jewish community in Mumbai with a local guide. Take a tour of the city’s 10 synagogues to appreciate their architectural beauty and rich history. Watch the lighting of the menorah in front of the Gateway of India. Interestingly enough, you won’t see wax-covered candles at this affair. Instead, you’ll find wicks dipped in coconut oil. You’ll also want to treat yourself to the milk-based treat enhanced with sweet fruits, called barfi. New York City Did you know that the Big Apple is home to the world’s largest menorah? You can find it in front of the Plaza Hotel on 59th Street in Manhattan, and you can watch the lighting ceremony or head to the one in Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. Each one stands at about 32 feet tall and weighs about 4,000 pounds! You can also get some competitive dreidel spinning in at the Major League Dreidel event, where you’ll hear live Jewish music played during the competition. If you work up an appetite, treat yourself to some gelt (chocolate coins). A great place to get them is Li-Lac, which is the oldest chocolate house in the city. You’ll find tons of Hanukkah events around the city — and delicious doughnuts too! Jerusalem While there are many Hanukkah celebrations around the world, observing the holiday in Jerusalem is an experience you’ll never forget. Listen to the inspirational sounds of the Jews in Jerusalem raise their voices in unison to sing “Ma’oz Tzur,” which tells the story of the struggles of their ancestors that the holiday commemorates. You won’t want to miss the Hanukkah Torch Relay. There, you’ll watch as runners pass an Olympic-style torch starting in Modiin and ending with the chief rabbi lighting a giant menorah on the Western Wall. Finish your trip to the Holy City by taking a walking tour to see how different families display their menorahs in specialized cutouts on the sides of their homes. You may also enjoy: Check Out These Worldwide Chanukah Celebrations! Rome Start your visit to Rome by seeing the menorah at Piazza Bologna. Then, dine your way through Rome’s Jewish Quarter. Try the fried avocado, called carciofi alla giudia, which is the perfect way to celebrate the oil that lasted eight days instead of just one. Another food that you’ll want to taste is the small fried balls of dough sweetened with warm honey, called precipizi, which pair perfectly with a glass of wine. On the last night of Hanukkah, join the crowds to watch the lighting of the 20-foot-tall menorah. And you won’t have to worry about going hungry; go out and join the drinking and eating fun as hundreds take to the streets to celebrate. London [Image above “Trafalgar Square Menorah -3” by Chabad Lubavitch on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]London’s Trafalgar Square is the perfect place to celebrate Hanukkah as you watch the lighting of the giant menorah. Visit the Jewish Museum London to see the fascinating collection of Hanukkah lamps, including one made from a World War I shell. Take a self-directed walking tour of London’s East End, where you can see the location of the famous Battle for Cable Street and get some bagels at iconic bakeries along Fournier Street. San Francisco In 1975, San Francisco became the first place outside of Jerusalem to hold a public menorah-lighting ceremony. On the first day of Hanukkah, head to Union Square to participate in family activities and watch the lighting of the menorah. Best of all, you’ll get to see the beam of light shoot a mile high off of the menorah as the rabbi calls people of all faiths to join together in unity. Are there any other Hanukkah celebrations around the world have you enjoyed? Tell us in the comments below!
