The summer cultural season in Tunisia's Jundubah Governorate has witnessed a significant increase in events and activities. According to Moncef Krimi, deputy director of cultural institutions and member of the summer festival cell at the regional cultural affairs delegation in Jundubah, nearly 70 events were organized. These events included music, theater, and cultural performances, with 43 music performances, of which 35 received support from the regional delegation.
The events included several festivals, such as the 33rd Shmtou Festival, the 50th Belarigia Festival, the 62nd Tabarka Festival, and the 38th Bousalem Festival. Additionally, several cultural days were organized in various delegations, including Beni Mtir, Fernana, Ain Derham, and Ghar El-Demma. These events contributed to expanding the cultural activity map to include areas outside city centers.
The financing of these events came from various sources, including the National Institution for Festivals and Cultural Events, which contributed 150,000 dinars to the Belarigia and Tabarka festivals. The regional cultural affairs delegation provided over 150,000 dinars, while the Jundubah Governorate contributed 84,000 dinars. Municipalities provided nearly 20,000 dinars, and private support amounted to around 33,000 dinars.
The total support for the events amounted to at least 611,500 dinars, with the actual value likely higher due to approximate contributions. In contrast, the total revenue from these events was around 285,000 dinars. The events were held in various locations, including summer theaters, open spaces, and educational institutions.
The events drew a significant audience, with nearly 80,000 attendees, including around 30,000 men and over 50,000 women. The events were widely distributed across the governorate, including rural and border areas such as Bouawan, Balta, Hammam Bourguiba, and Ghar El-Demma.
One of the notable highlights of the season was the return of the Tabarka Jazz Festival after a six-year hiatus. This was made possible through coordination between the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the regional delegation, and local institutions.
The success of these events highlights the expansion of the summer cultural scene in Jundubah, in terms of the number of events, diversity, and geographical spread. However, challenges remain, including diversifying funding sources and increasing private sector participation.
Key points
- The summer cultural season in Jundubah Governorate received over 611,000 dinars in support for various events and activities.
- Nearly 80,000 people attended the events, which were widely distributed across the governorate.
- The events included several festivals and cultural days, showcasing a diverse range of cultural activities.
