Lag BaOmer

Next celebratedMonday, May 24, 2027

Lag BaOmer is here! Unleash your festive spirit with bonfires, parades and joyful celebrations. Experience this unique day in Jewish tradition!

See how to celebrate

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Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATELag BaOmer

OBSERVED INIsrael

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYJewish

INTRO

Introduction

Light up your spirits this May 26 as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Lag BaOmer! This historically rich day marks the 33rd day of the Omer count, a period of semi-mourning in Jewish tradition. Lag BaOmer, however, breaks the somber trend and turns into a day of happiness and celebration. This tradition traces back to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a famous 2nd-century Jewish sage, who revealed the secrets of Kabbalah on this day. Today, we honor this day with grand bonfires, exciting parades, and lively festivities. So, immerse yourself in this remarkable cultural experience and let's get festive on Lag BaOmer!

TIMELINE

Lag BaOmer Timeline

Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's Revelation

Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a prominent Jewish sage, revealed the secrets of Kabbalah on Lag BaOmer, marking the onset of the holiday's spiritual significance.

Pilgrimages to Meron

In this era, Jewish people began making pilgrimages to the town of Meron in northern Israel on Lag BaOmer, visiting the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Beginning of Modern Celebrations

The tradition of lighting bonfires on Lag BaOmer, symbolic of the spiritual light brought into the world by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s teachings, gained widespread popularity.

Modern Israel Celebrations

As statehood in Israel consolidated, Lag BaOmer bonfires and festivities became a popular tradition across Israeli cities and towns.

Global Recognition

Amid global digitization and cultural exchange, Lag BaOmer festivities became increasingly recognized and celebrated around the world.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Lag BaOmer

Host a Bonfire Party

One of the traditional customs of Lag BaOmer is lighting bonfires. Gather your friends and family in a safe outdoor space, roast marshmallows, sing songs, and share in the joy and warmth of the bonfire together.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a Parade

Being a day of celebration, Lag BaOmer is often marked by vibrant parades. Join with community parades showcasing colorful floats and enthusiastic performances, uniting in jubilation and social engagement.

LEARN

Learn About The Kabbalah

Lag BaOmer commemorates Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai revealing the secrets of the Kabbalah. Use this day as an opportunity to familiarize yourself with Jewish mystical teachings and the principles of Kabbalah.

VISIT

Visit Meron

If you're able to travel, consider a pilgrimage to Meron in Israel, the burial site of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Thousands gather here every year for Lag BaOmer, creating a lively atmosphere filled with singing, dancing, and feasting.

ORGANIZE

Organize a Community Cleanup

Embrace the communal spirit of Lag BaOmer by organizing a cleanup of your neighborhood or local park. This can serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting the world around us – one of the many valuable teachings in Jewish tradition.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Lag BaOmer is Important

Fostering Community Responsibility

While Lag BaOmer is known for its joyous celebrations, it also emphasizes the Jewish traditions of community service and environmental stewardship. The custom of organizing community cleanups on this day reminds us of our shared responsibility to care for our world, ultimately making Lag BaOmer a most-loved holiday.

Celebrating Unity and Joy

Lag BaOmer offers us a moment of unity and joy. This is visible in the large gatherings that form around bonfires and parades. During this day, we break from the solemn Omer count period to commemorate happiness, friendship, and community making it an exceptional day in Jewish tradition.

Learning about Kabbalah

On Lag BaOmer, we have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of Jewish mystical teachings. It's a holiday that encourages knowledge and insight, particularly into the Kabbalah. This celebration of spirituality and ancient wisdom makes Lag BaOmer a favorite among many.