Although my favorite holiday, Tu B’Shevat, passed in February, Jewish tree lovers like me can still find joy in another holiday celebrating the beauty of earth’s many bountiful blessings: Earth Day and the week-long Broccoli City Festival. Starting in Washington, D.C. on April 25 and finishing up in Los Angeles May 3, the Broccoli City Festival (or BC Fest) looks to spread sustainable green flower power across the entire country, to make everyday Tu B’Shevat.
There are many similarities between Tu B’Shevat and Earth Day—both are times to thank God for olives, dates, and all the wonderful fruits of Israel. Both also provide occasions to build peace through our universal connection to the earth. At this year’s event, both Palestinian and Israeli young adults join together to veg out with their fellow humans.
“I’m excited for the entire lineup of artists performing at Broccoli Fest and the different eco-friendly vendors that will be there since I recently started living a more health-conscious lifestyle myself. Not to mention just the whole festival environment and the hipster feel to it. Just a cool place to be with friends and chill and have a good time,” said Vanessa Gadeer, a Palestinian.
Israeli David Porter said, “Earth Day means a lot to me. It makes me think back to the good times when Nickelodeon had “The Big Help” [and] we would plant flowers and trees and have so much fun. So I’ve loved Earth Day since I was young.”
Besides fostering peace and good vibes, BC Fest will also feature sustainable ways of improving the earth and an open-air market of pop-up hipster fashion. The festival is also a mecca of music. Some of the headliners at BC Fest 2015 include vegan songstress hipstress Erykah Badu, indie top-charting MC Joey Bada$$, and more. This is a time for sequined skirts, body piercings, henna tattoos, and all the other essential fashion for festival-goers.
To celebrate, here are the top 5 essentials for Broccoli Fest 2015 for the nice Jewish girl in your life.
Ideal for Jewfros. This product manages to keep the bounce in your hair while combating frizz, which is essential for spring/summer. It’s an essential tool for combating the “concert hair” that comes with being outside all day in humid weather. As a curly hair girl myself, Kinky Curly products work wonders and have no added chemicals, always a plus when attending an Earth Day festival such as Broccoli Fest.
2. Honey B Gold Mary Jane Earrings
These earrings from indie designer Honey B Gold offer a fly girl funk with maud sensibilities.
3. Asa Kaftans Goddess Headband in Gold or Diamond
Why are Goddess Headbands essential this spring? Because diamonds might shine, but with a Goddess headband you sparkle! This Goddess Headband, from Asa Kaftans, is full of gypsy hipstress swag and ideal for any simcha, from Shabbos to Cochella.
4. American Apparel Crop Top Kesh X
This is not your Bubbie’s evil eye… KESH X American Apparel cotton spandex crop top featuring an evil eye will ensure your protection from negative vibes.
There will be more than enough drinks at Broccoli Festival to keep you hydrated, but when your face needs a spritz, this Ahava spray will keep your skin hydrated and glowing like a kibbutz in the Negev.
Michele Amira is a student at the University of Maryland.
