The 58th International Sahara Festival in Douz, Tunisia, is set to take place from December 23-26. The festival's organizing committee, led by director Ashraf Ben Othman, has begun preparations, which include determining the overall concept of the event. This year's festival aims to strike a balance between preserving traditional elements and incorporating new ideas, while also leveraging modern technology to promote the region's cultural heritage.
The festival's preparations started with the formation of committees responsible for various activities and tasks. The event's date was changed from December 19-22 to December 23-26 to coincide with the school holiday schedule and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the thousands of visitors expected from within Tunisia and abroad. The festival's venue, known as Saha Hanish, is a large open-air space in the southern part of the city.
The festival's program will feature a mix of traditional and new elements, including cultural performances, exhibitions, and competitions. The event's traditional components, such as the Qafila, Douleb, and Merghoul, will be preserved and enriched with new ideas. The festival will also feature a poetry section, known as the Akaziah, and a competition for young poets. The organizing committee has launched a webpage to gather feedback and suggestions from the public.
The festival's director, Ashraf Ben Othman, emphasized the importance of preserving the event's traditional aspects while making it more contemporary and appealing to a wider audience. The festival has been running for over a century, and its organizers aim to maintain its unique character while incorporating modern elements. The event's budget and logistics are being managed by the festival's organizing committee.
One of the challenges facing the festival's organizers is the lack of a dedicated theater or functional space to host large performances. As a result, they are forced to use temporary venues, such as the traditional industry market, to stage events like the Samur night. The festival's organizers are also awaiting payment of a grant from the National Tourism Office, which is necessary to settle outstanding debts to participants and suppliers.
The festival's return to the Mohammed Al-Marzouki Cultural Center, after years of closure, is expected to enhance the event's organization and provide a more suitable venue for some of the performances. The center's renovation has created a more conducive environment for cultural events. The festival's organizers are working to ensure that the event is a success and that it showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The International Sahara Festival in Douz is a significant cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. The festival's 58th edition promises to be an exciting and memorable experience, with a mix of traditional and modern elements. The event's organizers are working tirelessly to ensure its success, and the local community is eagerly anticipating the festival.
Key points
- The 58th International Sahara Festival will take place from December 23-26 in Douz, Tunisia.
- The festival's program will feature a mix of traditional and new elements, including cultural performances, exhibitions, and competitions.
- The event's organizers are facing challenges, including the lack of a dedicated theater and outstanding debts from the National Tourism Office.
