Despite border tension resulting from last week’s battle in the Gaza strip, Israel generally, and this city in particular, celebrated the Purim festival. The festival will be climaxed by the “Adloyada” carnival here tomorrow afternoon. Main streets along the seven kilometre carnival route have been decorated with flags and balloons, and attractively displayed shop windows have been attracting thousands of the city’s residents.
The festive atmosphere got off to a flying start this morning when school and kindergarten children were seen hurrying through the streets dressed in all sorts of costumes–Oueen Esthers, pirates, cowboys. Mayor Chaim Levanon, in opening Purim Week festivities here last night–which this city resumes after 20 years of war and other disturbances–called on all citizens to celebrate Purim with the greatest gaiety.
Half a million spectators are expected to gather here for the “Adloyada,” among them thousands of tourists arriving by air and sea. The municipal government, in anticipation of the crowds, has prohibited all traffic along the carnival route. The cities of New Orleans, La., and Frascati, Italy, the latter the birthplace of Cicero, will be represented in the parade by special floats. A number of public masked balls and fancy dress carnivals have been arranged for the benefit of various charitable institutions.
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