Hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai

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Hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
Dancing in the yard of the tomb, 2016
Observed by	Jews
Significance	Anniversary of death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
Celebrations	Lighting of a bonfire, mass dances
Date	18 Iyar
2023 date	Sunset, 8 May – nightfall, 9 May
2024 date	Sunset, 25 May – nightfall, 26 May
2025 date	Sunset, 15 May – nightfall, 16 May
Frequency	Annual
Related to	Lag BaOmer

Every year on Lag BaOmer, some 200,000 people flock to the 'Yom Hillula' (day of rejoicing) at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, Israel.^[1] The highlight of the event is the traditional bonfire lit after nightfall on the roof of the tomb, after which celebration with music and dancing begins. From the 13th century onwards, the site became the most popular Jewish pilgrimage site in all of Israel,^[2] the celebration first being mentioned by an Italian traveller in 1322.^[3] Today it forms the largest mass annual event in Israel.