The legendary festival of Tabarka has known several eclipses, but has always risen from the ashes. Revived this year by a new association, it proved once more that jazz tradition is well established in Tabarka. A true legend among Tunisia’s festivals, the Tabarka Jazz Festival has concluded its 2019 edition with the exciting performance of the Jamaican Diana King (photo), famous for her single “Shy Guy’’.

The audience didn’t miss the rendezvous at the Basilica, an ancient Roman cistern converted to a church under French protectorate, which has been hosting the festival since its beginnings. The event was launched in 1973 by Lotfi Belhassine. At that time, Tabarka was still a small fishing village. Despite this, it welcomed great stars such as Joan Baez, Léo Ferré, Miles Davis, Barbara Hendricks…

Since the 1990s, the festival has been more specifically dedicated to jazz. After difficult years, it has just been revived by the Association for cultural development of Tabarka. Programming was both Tunisian and international with African, Oriental, electronic and metal inspirations. A successful edition that promises the festival a future worthy of its former glory.

• Location: Basilica, Tabarka, Tunisia
• Date: July

Falconry Festival, one of the oldest and most popular and famous festivals in Tunisia and locals are already preparing for the special carnival. The festival basically involves hunting with falcons – rare birds of prey that belong to the genus Falco and are known for their exceptionally strong eyesight.

During the festival, a pigeon is released into the air and the competing falcons must chase after it and catch it. The falcon that catches the pigeon first is declared the winner and its owner is awarded the top prize, which in most cases comes in the form of cash.

It’s an event that offers participants an unforgettable opportunity to relax with falcons and salukis in a traditional Arabic tent and share authentic Middle Eastern foods and beverages in the presence of friends and relatives.

• Location: El Haouaria, Tunisia
• Date: November

Organized in the Roman Theatre of Carthage, the International Festival of Carthage (FIC) is Tunisia’s most prestigious and phenomenal festival and is considered one of the Arab, African and world’s biggest and most important festivals. It is an annual event that graces Tunisia with a variety of concerts and artistic shows extending over the months of July and August.

The marvelous monument of the Carthage Amphitheatre, which dates back to the 2nd century AD.

Back in the ancient times, it was mainly used for theatre pres­entations and various other cultural events. Vandalized in the 5th century, the actual Amphitheatre was put back to use at the end of the 19th century. The International Festival of Carthage was created back in 1964, which makes it to date the oldest annual event of its kind that is still active in Africa.

Being the oldest continuously operating annual cultural event on the continent, the International Festival of Carthage is Tunisia’s most prestigious and phenomenal festival and is considered one of the Arab, African and world’s most important festivals.

• Location: Carthage, Tunisia
• Date: July

The International Festival of Sousse serves to add even more to the mix. Recently, Tunisian musicians and artists dominated the line up at the festival, and performers from neighbouring countries as well as Romania, Italy, Belgium, Syria and Lebanon brought their artistic stylings into the mix, while Russia sent over its prized Symphonic Orchestra.

Music isn’t the only focus of the festival though, with screenings of feature films and animations also happening all across the city. Don’t let the troubling news from the Middle East and North Africa dissuade you from visiting Tunisia. This dynamic country's ability to get back on its feet is an inspiring success story.

Tunisia is back open for business, and there’s no better place to get a taster for one of the African continent’s most accessible countries than at the International Festival of Sousse, with its world-class lineup taking place in the height of summer and is one of the most famous festivals in Tunisia.

• Location: Sousse, Tunisia
• Date: Between 14 July and 18 August

The steering committee of the Bizerte International Festival led by Ahmed Trifi has succeeded in holding preparatory sessions for the organization of the 38th edition of the festival, noted Sihem Zouali, member of the festival association.

These preparatory steps take place following the decision of the of the of the of the of the decision of the of the of the decision of the decision.

In a ecosystem at the Correant of the TAP agency in Bizerte, Sihem Zouali indicated that the 2020 edition will be organized as a priority from August 5 to 22. That said, she said, the organization of the festival remains dependent on the improvement of the tình huống san hô linked to the coronavirus.

Regarding the outline of the Programming, she suggested that three đeo kính will be held each week during the festival period, indicating that the concerts will be hosted by Tunisian artists.

• Location: Bizerte, Tunisia
• Date: Between 14 July and 17 August

The 33rd edition of the International Symphonic Music Festival will take place from July 7 to August 11 2018, in the 3rd-century Roman colosseum of Thysdrus, built in El Jem, 2-hour-drive from Tunis.

The ambition of such an event is to bring together orchestras from all countries and all cultures to revive this ancient place and promote cultural tourism. It’s in a historical framework that all visitors will gather to be immersed in a unique experience with artists from all around the world united by their love of music without any boundaries.

Modern music icons are going to perform in a magical scenery, amongst them; The Tunisian Symphonic Orchestra, The Seongnam Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra from South Korea, and The Gipsy Mundo Nuovo from Spain. Talented artists from every part of the world will transport you through time and space in an amazing discovery journey surrounded by an antique historical scenery and powerful music. All these wonderful combinations are the reasons why this festival is among the top festivals in Tunisia.

• Location: El Jem, Tunisia
• Date: From July 7 to August 11

The 51st edition of the International Sahara Festival in Douz will welcome you for a unique experience from December 20th to December 23rd in the heart of the Sahara in southern Tunisia. The festival celebrates the rich history of the berbere culture and the Mrazig tribe that prospered in the Tunisian Sahara for decades, enlightening the region with their art, music and timeless traditions.

Travel to a magic scenery through palm trees and historical villages in Douz, where the festival takes place. Different activities are planned to take you on a memorable adventure to discover the local traditions. From a traditional wedding ceremony to music shows and horse races, you will also enjoy the unique art that gave the region its identity. Music, galleries, documentaries and a book fair will highlight the richness of the culture that perfectly sums up the Berbere freedom and the Arabic beauty.

What better place to go in the winter than to the Sahara, where you can enjoy the sun in December while attending a historical festival that has been taking place for decades. Whether you like music, history, sports or just want a peaceful holiday, during four days The International Sahara Festival in Douz will be the perfect place for you, your family or your relatives.

• Location: Douz, Tunisia
• Date: From December 20th to December 23rd

The program of the 40th edition of the Tozeur International Oasis Festival scheduled for December 21-22, was unveiled at a press conference held in Tozeur. The organising committee seized the opportunity to present the preparations for the festival’s promotional day at the Habib Bourguiba Avenue in Tunis, aimed to attract national and international media and support domestic tourism in the region all along the festival.

In this regard, festival director Nassedine Chebbi said that the promotional day will give a glimpse of the cultural richness of the region of “Djerid,” specifying that this 40th edition will open to the different regions of the governorate of Tozeur in order to showcase the richness and diversity of its heritage.

At the cultural level, a show will be offered to pay tribute to the region’s traditions, history, and daily life. Street entertainment will also be on the agenda for these two days of festivities. In addition to entertainment for children, two symposia will be organised on this occasion.

• Location: Tozeur, Tunisia
• Date: 21-22 December

Most of the Tunisia holidays and festivals take place in summer, and most are focused on music, crafts, or other aspects of Tunisian culture. The Tunisian Medina Festival livens up the holy month of Ramadan in the Tunisian capital each year, while Carthage and Hammamet each host their own international festivals, filled with music, dance, and creative arts.

Tunisia closes each year with its oldest festival of all, the International Festival of the Sahara, a tribute to southern Tunisia’s traditional Sahara Desert culture. The municipal theater in the heart of Tunis is the main venue of this festival, which is held in the Tunisian capital during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which can fall at any time of the year.

In addition to the usual array of religious ceremonies that normally take place in Muslim cities during Ramadan, this festival also features international films and musical performances. Street shows and people dressed in medieval costumes spill out across the city.

• Location: Tunis, Tunisia
• Date: 15 May