Full Breakdown
Evening Opening of the Shrine of the Báb Attracts Thousands to Haifa’s Bahá'í Gardens
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A recent Wednesday-Thursday evening opening of the Shrine of the Báb and the surrounding Bahá'í Gardens on Mount Carmel welcomed more than 9,400 visitors. The night-time program, known as “Terraces by Night” (Lailah Bahá'í), featured an art activity, an exhibition and a film screening. Over 200 international Bahá'í volunteers and local staff hosted guests that included Israeli residents and members of the diplomatic community.
Background and Context
The Terraces by Night concept debuted in 2019 to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá'í Faith (1819-1850). Since that inaugural event, the night opening has been staged four additional times, making this the fifth occurrence. The shrine, capped by a golden dome, is the burial place of the Báb and is surrounded by 18 terraced gardens that together form a UNESCO World Heritage site. The event is jointly organized by the Bahá'í World Center, the Haifa Municipality and the Haifa Tourism Board.
Data and Statistics
- Visitors: >9,400 (combined Wednesday-Thursday)
- Volunteers and staff: >200
- Terraced gardens: 18
- Total night openings held to date: 5 (first in 2019, four subsequent)
Official Statements & Responses
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav highlighted the gardens’ role in the city’s identity, noting that the illuminated terraces provide a unique cultural experience for both locals and tourists. Dr. David Rutstein, Secretary-General of the Bahá'í International Community, said organizers hoped that the architecture, diverse flora, lighting and water features would delight guests, emphasizing the event’s aim to showcase the site’s distinctive character.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Bahá'í Gardens are much more than one of Haifa's beautiful and well-known landmarks,” — Yona Yahav, haifa mayor — Yona Yahav, Haifa mayor