The 11th edition of Carthage Music Days officially kicked off on Saturday evening at the Opera Hall in the City of Culture in Tunis. The opening ceremony was attended by Tunisian Minister of Cultural Affairs Amine Al-Sarrafi, ambassadors, and representatives of diplomatic missions, as well as artists and musicians. The event featured a mosaic of artistic expressions and human stories that highlighted the value of art as a form of life and hope.
The opening ceremony was marked by a musical performance that blended traditional Tunisian rhythms with modern elements. The performance featured a combination of musical instruments, including the bendir and the mezoud, and was accompanied by a visual display that showcased Tunisia's rich cultural heritage. The event also featured a dance performance that blended traditional and contemporary styles, reflecting the country's rich cultural diversity.
In her remarks, Minister Al-Sarrafi emphasized the importance of music as a universal language that can bring people together. She noted that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs had chosen to launch the new cultural season with Carthage Music Days, which she hoped would be an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and celebrate the power of music. The minister also highlighted the diversity of the festival's lineup, which features artists from around the world.
The festival's director, Mounir Falah, noted that this year's edition is not just a traditional festival, but a platform for artists to network and collaborate. He emphasized that the festival is committed to promoting inclusivity and accessibility, with features such as sign language interpretation and audio description for visually impaired attendees. Falah also highlighted the festival's partnership with the "Ibssar" association, which aims to promote cultural and recreational activities for people with disabilities.
The opening ceremony also featured a performance by Tunisian artist Ahmed Yattem, who shared his personal story of how music had a positive impact on his life. Yattem's performance was followed by a musical tribute to the late Tunisian musician Mohamed Al-Qarfi, who was a pioneer in Arabic music. The ceremony also paid tribute to the late artist Yasser Al-Jaradi, with a musical performance by artists Ghais Al-Jouini and Sami Ben Said.
The festival will run until October 10, 2026, and features a diverse lineup of artists and musicians from around the world. The event includes a range of activities, including concerts, workshops, and professional meetings. This year's edition features 15 countries participating, including Tunisia. The festival's program includes a range of musical genres, from traditional to contemporary.
The festival's organizers have announced a new initiative, "JMC Jazz Camp," which aims to promote musical training and education. The initiative is part of the festival's commitment to promoting the development of musical talent in Tunisia and around the world. The festival's closing ceremony will feature a performance by the "Dandri" band, which specializes in traditional Tunisian music.
Key points
- The 11th edition of Carthage Music Days features a diverse lineup of artists and musicians from around the world.
- The festival is committed to promoting inclusivity and accessibility, with features such as sign language interpretation and audio description.
- The festival will run until October 10, 2026, and features a range of activities, including concerts, workshops, and professional meetings.
