Purim 2026 in Australia

Purim is celebrated with lively costumes, festive meals, and reading of the Megillah across Jewish communities in Australia. It is a joyful occasion that brings families together to honor the story of Queen Esther and the triumph of courage.

Purim: A Public Holiday?

Purim is not a public holiday in Australia; it is celebrated within the Jewish community through festive traditions and religious observances.

Purim

Purim has been celebrated in Australia since the early Jewish communities were established in the 19th century. As Jewish families settled in cities like Melbourne and Sydney, they brought with them traditions tied to the story of Queen Esther and the saving of the Jewish people in ancient Persia. Purim quickly became one of the most joyful and widely celebrated festivals in the community.

Over time, Jewish schools, synagogues, and organizations across Australia began to include Purim celebrations in their annual calendar. The festival became an opportunity to celebrate and educate children about courage, identity, and history. It remains a time when families and communities come together to remember a powerful story of survival and faith. Today, Purim is one of the most vibrant and fun Jewish festivals observed in Australia.

Observance of Purim in Australia

Purim is celebrated with great energy and joy throughout Jewish communities in Australia. One of the key traditions is reading the Megillah, the Scroll of Esther, in synagogues. People listen closely to the story and cheer or make noise with groggers (noisemakers) whenever the name of Haman, the villain, is mentioned. This tradition is especially loved by children, who often come dressed in colorful costumes, turning the reading into a festive event.

Jewish schools and community centers organize Purim parades, costume contests, and plays that retell the story of Queen Esther. Students take part in creative activities and often make gift baskets called mishloach manot, which are filled with snacks and given to friends and neighbors. Many families also prepare a special meal known as the Purim seudah, where they enjoy food, laughter, and time together. Hamantaschen, triangle-shaped cookies filled with jam or chocolate, is a popular festival treat.

Purim holds a special place in the hearts of Australian Jews because it teaches the importance of courage, unity, and standing up for what is right. The joyful nature of the festival allows people of all ages to connect with their heritage in a fun and meaningful way. It is also a time to give to those in need, strengthening the value of kindness and community support. While not a public holiday, Purim is widely recognized in the Jewish calendar and continues to be a bright and uplifting celebration across Australia.

Purim Observances