The fifth edition of the Najaa Al-Fan Festival opened on October 25, 2026, at the Mohamed Al-Merzouki Culture House in Douz, Qibili. The festival, which will run until October 31, features a mix of musical performances, art workshops, interactive activities, and environmental initiatives. According to festival director and founder, Rida Ben Mansour, the event aims to promote artistic creativity and showcase the natural and cultural uniqueness of the region.
The festival seeks to inspire artists by providing a platform for creative expression in the desert. Ben Mansour explained that the event is designed to change the traditional perception of the desert, moving beyond its folkloric image to highlight its vast and inspiring landscape. The festival also aims to boost tourism in the region by attracting artists from around the world.
This year's festival features a diverse program, including a musical performance by Mohamed Amine Kammoun, titled "24 Scents." The event also includes a series of performances, such as a musical caravan, titled "For a Clean Oasis Without Plastic," which emphasizes the festival's environmental theme. Additionally, the festival will feature two evenings of performances by artist and poet Rida Abdel Latif in the villages of Beshni and Al-Barghouthia.
On October 28, the festival will move to the Qasr Ghilan oasis, where activities will continue with artistic residencies and workshops led by artist Ziad Al-Zawari. These events will include musical and choreographic performances, as well as visual arts projects that transform waste materials into art pieces.
The festival's program continues on October 29 with a desert trek, allowing participants to explore the natural beauty of the area and discover the unique landscape of sand dunes and oases. On October 30, artist Ahmed Bangemi will present a performance titled "Sinوج," which combines art and the unique characteristics of the Qasr Ghilan oasis.
The festival will conclude on October 31 with performances by workshop participants, showcasing the artistic projects developed during the event. According to Ben Mansour, the festival is a nomadic event that will take place in other regions of Tunisia and potentially in other countries in the future, aiming to promote national cultural richness globally.
The Najaa Al-Fan Festival is part of a series of cultural events taking place in Tunisia, including the fourth edition of the "Days of the Oases" festival in Gabes, scheduled from October 29 to November 1, and the second edition of the Oudhena Children's Festival in Ben Arous, which ran from October 25 to 29.
Key points
- The festival aims to promote artistic creativity and showcase the natural and cultural uniqueness of the Qibili region.
- The event features a mix of musical performances, art workshops, interactive activities, and environmental initiatives.
- The festival will take place in other regions of Tunisia and potentially in other countries in the future.
