Published: June 25, 2026 · Tedros Editorial
The 17th Holegav Festival of Ethiopian-Israeli creativity — the younger generation takes the stage
What is Holegav
Holegav is the flagship cultural festival dedicated to Ethiopian-Israeli creativity — music, dance, visual art, and literature. The 17th edition (23–25.6.2026) took place at Confederation House in Jerusalem, with additional performances at the Yellow Submarine, HaMazkeka, and Pargod.
A focus on the younger generation
Unlike previous editions centered on heritage and traditional music, the 2026 edition placed a clear emphasis on young second- and third-generation creators — 15 performances over three days spanning contemporary genres: hip-hop, reggae, afrobeats, and dancehall. This marks a turning point: the community's culture isn't staying "archival" — it keeps evolving through young artists creating something new.
Why it matters
Festivals like Holegav are part of what keeps the community's cultural identity alive for younger generations, alongside official events like Sigd. If you're looking for a way to connect with the community's culture beyond its history, this is exactly the kind of event to follow.