TUNÍSIA by Moudather Abid - Part 2

Culture:

An ideal climate, a long and gentle seacoast, Tunisia, the northernmost country of Africa has for over 3000 years witnessed the passage of Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. They came as fugitives or adventurers, to conquer or to claim, warriors and missionaries, traders and farmers each leaving a part of their story in stone or mosaics, on hills of Carthage and the threshold of the Sahara.

This heritage, Tunisia's greatest wealth has been held in trust and preserved in hundreds of sites and museums from the small Punic 

museum in Utica to the vast collections of the prestigious National Museum of Bardo. Most Museums are closed on Mondays, whereas many on-site archeological museums and ruins are open all week. An entrance fee is usually charged and a caretaker will often act as guide.

Festivals: 

The Tunisians "joie de vivre" is reflected in their festivals. Even the smallest village sets aside a time for celebration whether it be for the summer harvest, fishing season, a local saint, or the arrival of Spring.  Visitors are always welcome and urged to participate whether it be in dancing, sharing a cup of tea or just a friendly smile. A balmy summer evening under a magnificient starry sky is often the setting for these occasions.

The Saharian Festival is of special interest to those who dream of the vast expanse of dunes and sober beauty of the Sahara.

Douz; the gateway to the desert, offers an authentic and genuine picture of desert traditions, folk art and customs. The village itself, surrounded by sand dunes, is the departure point for the Mehares and Saharian safaris. A unique adventure awaits you. 

The International Music Festival is held for long evenings in the El Jem Coliseum. An unforgetable experience of hearing the music of renowned artists and symphonic orchestras in the outstanding setting of the majestic Roman coliseum in a mild summer night.

(to be continued...)