Darom Adom: The magical landscapes of the red south

The colors of Israel’s landscapes are unique, diverse, and magical. With its abundance of landscapes, Israel offers a unique experience that allows you to go from skiing in the Hermon mountain to sunbathing in Tel Aviv less than 3 hours away from each other. These scenarios conquer the hearts of thousands of visitors who come to Israel each year.

Regardless of the temperate season, visitors can pick between an endless list of places to visit. From the magical views at Metula to the wonderful smell of the many Kibbutzim, travelers will encounter magical moments every step of the way.

In this article, we will paint your heart red. There is a magical moment each year where a big portion of both the Northern and Southern parts of Israel becomes red and gorgeous while having a recognizable and lovely fragrance.

Do you know which spectacular sight we’re talking about? It’s when the Darom Adom Festival takes place. During this time, the beauty of the flourishing kalaniot flower (a bright red flower resembling a poppy) decorates the landscape. If you ever decide to do a family trip to Israel you won’t regret it – it’s a beautiful experience for all.

Kalaniot: The national flower of Israel

The kalaniot, known in English as anemone, is Israel’s national flower and an enormous source of inspiration for musicians, poets, and artists.

Many songs and poems have been written to honor this beautiful type of flower, and endless marriage proposals in Israel have involved the presence of these red flowers. For all Israelis, this flower represents way more than just nature and environment – it also represents the identity of Israel and its strength.

Although you can find kalaniot all over the land of Milk and Honey, it is especially inspiring to see the breathtaking landscapes in southern Israel when the flowers cover the fields like a rich, red carpet. That being said, if you’re lucky, you may even find a few of them in the middle of the Negev, on your way to either Eilat or to the Kibbutzim of the south.

Darom Adom: A great festival to attend with your family

Darom Adom is an annual Israeli festival that takes place, in general, from the middle of January until the end of February or March, during the flowering season of the kalaniot in the northern Negev region. The festival is an example of how agri-tourism in Israel and has caught the attention of the media.

According to ISRAEL21c, an online news site, during March there’s always an “official weekend of the annual Darom Adom – Scarlet South Festival in the northwestern Negev, produced in conjunction with the Keren Kayemet and with the Jewish National Fund. A variety of activities is planned along with free tours through the red carpets of anemones in the Reim Recreation Area and the Ruhama Forest. If you miss the festival, it’s still worth a trip to see the brilliant colors through April”.

This is a very traditional activity for Israeli families. Families travel from all over Israel to specific places in which they can delight in the phenomenal colors the desert has to offer. Both kids and adults love this festival and wait every year to attend it. The backdrop makes for wonderful family pictures.

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