Jerusalem, Israel – January 16, 2026 — JERUSALEM (AP) — Vibrant lights and ethereal performances are set to transform Jerusalem’s bustling Mahane Yehuda Market into a nightly spectacle of music and innovation beginning 20 January. The market, renowned for its colourful stalls brimming with fresh produce, spices, and street delicacies, now hosts a groundbreaking series of holographic concerts featuring 12 international artists, blending cutting-edge projection technology with live soundscapes to create immersive experiences amid the aroma of falafel and baklava.
Organisers from the Mahane Yehuda Cultural Collective announced the initiative on Thursday, highlighting how it elevates the market’s role as a community hub. “This series breathes new life into our historic space, drawing families, tourists, and music lovers together under the stars,” said Avi Cohen, the collective’s director. Performances will unfold across six evenings weekly, from 20 January through mid-March, with each holographic show lasting 45 minutes and repeating twice nightly at 8pm and 10pm. Free entry encourages broad participation, while reserved seating zones ensure comfort for all ages.
The lineup boasts a diverse roster of global talents, including Brazilian samba legend João Silva, whose rhythmic holograms will pulse through the market’s central alleyways on opening night; South Korean K-pop sensation Mia Park, captivating audiences with high-energy dances on 22 January; and Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Kofi Adebayo, bringing infectious grooves on 25 January. Subsequent weeks feature Egyptian oud master Layla Hassan, American jazz virtuoso Elena Rivers, Indian classical sitar player Raj Patel, French electronic artist Luc Moreau, Japanese enka singer Hana Yamamoto, Spanish flamenco dancer Carlos Ruiz, Australian didgeridoo expert Tara Walker, and Italian opera soprano Sofia Lombardi. Each artist’s digital avatar, crafted from high-resolution scans and motion-capture sessions, interacts seamlessly with the environment, appearing to weave through vendor carts and respond to crowd cheers.
Technical wizardry underpins the shows’ magic. Advanced projection mapping synchronises lifelike holograms with a custom surround-sound system, developed in collaboration with Jerusalem-based tech firm HoloVision Labs. “Our projections adapt in real-time to the market’s natural contours, from arched doorways to hanging lanterns, creating a sense of performers strolling among shoppers,” explained engineer Miriam Levy of HoloVision. Interactive elements allow audiences to influence setlists via mobile apps, fostering a shared creative energy that promises repeat visits and viral social media moments.
Local traders have embraced the venture with enthusiasm, viewing it as a boon for evening footfall. “Sales of sweets and coffee have already spiked from previews, and we’re experimenting with themed treats like mango lassi for the Indian night,” noted vendor Rachel Mizrahi, whose spice stall anchors the performance zone. Community workshops precede each concert, teaching children basic projection art and music rhythms, ensuring the series nurtures young talents alongside global stars.
This endeavour builds on Mahane Yehuda’s evolution from a traditional shuk to a multifaceted destination, much like its acclaimed night market and food festivals that draw over a million visitors annually. By integrating holographic innovation, the market not only preserves its authentic charm but amplifies Jerusalem’s reputation as a crossroads of culture and progress. Early bookings for premium experiences have surged, with families planning multi-night outings to sample the eclectic genres.
Beyond entertainment, the series promotes accessibility and inclusion. Performances include sign-language interpreters for select shows and audio descriptions for visually impaired attendees, reflecting a commitment to reaching every corner of society. “It’s about joy shared equally, turning our market into a global stage where differences harmonise,” Cohen added.
As winter evenings shorten, these concerts offer a warm embrace of light and sound, promising to etch lasting memories in Jerusalem’s vibrant heart. With the first holograms flickering to life in just four days, anticipation builds among residents and visitors alike, heralding a brighter chapter for the city’s entertainment landscape.
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