A Yom Hillula (Hebrew: יום הילולא) is another word for yahrzeit (the anniversary of someone's passing). However, it differs from a regular yahrzeit in two respects. It refers specifically to the yahrzeit of a great Tzaddik who taught Kabbalah, and unlike a regular yahrzeit, which is marked with sadness and even fasting, a Yom Hillula is commemorated specifically through simcha, joy, and festive celebration. This term is most often used in Hasidic circles to refer to the day of the passing of Hasidic Rebbes.
Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai
The first Tzaddik whose Yom Hillula was celebrated is that of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, on Lag Be'Omer. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai referred to this day as Yom Simchato ("the day of his happiness"). There is thus a very widely observed custom to visit Meron (the burial place of Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai) on Lag Be'Omer, and celebrate with torches, song, and feasting. This celebration was a specific request by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai of his students.
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