Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from genocide through the efforts of Esther (Esther 9:16-32). Mordecai wrote a proclamation that the Jews were to celebrate the event annually with eating, rejoicing (cf. Esther 8:17), giving food, and sharing with the poor. It was celebrated on the fourteenth day of Adar (March) by those in villages and unwalled towns and on the fifteenth day by those in fortified cities (Esther 9:18, 19). The two-day feast was for remembering the goodness of God working through a number of circumstances to protect His people from extinction. 
 

Children with painted faces enjoy their Purim party  father and children arriving for a Purim party

Jewish children at a Purim Party Young men get ready for Shabbat