The 7th Tabarka Malouf Festival, organized by the Tabarka Cultural Center under the supervision of the Manouba Regional Cultural Affairs Delegation, concluded on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The festival featured a performance titled "Oud Al-Andalus" with artists Nour Eddine Ben Aicha, Monge Sfaksi, and Samah Al-Andalusi. The event aimed to preserve the unique character of Malouf music.
The festival's program included various artistic evenings focused on Malouf music, but several questions remain unanswered. These include the unexplained absence of local authorities from Tabarka, who failed to attend the opening ceremony or support the performances. Over 200 official invitations were sent to public and private institutions in the region, but many did not respond.
The lack of engagement and response to public invitations was noticeable, with many posted on social media platforms and displayed around the city. The cultural sector in Tabarka cannot be solely attributed to the Cultural Center and its administrators; responsibility lies with everyone in the region. Tabarka was once known for its cultural achievements and prominent events, such as the "Mawlid Festival," which disappeared after the revolution.
The Manouba Cultural Delegation must consider increasing the budget for the Tabarka Cultural Center to ensure the success of its events. The region's history of organizing significant cultural events highlights the need for continued support. The absence of local authorities and low public engagement raise concerns about the future of cultural activities in Tabarka.
The festival's conclusion has sparked discussions about the role of local authorities and institutions in supporting cultural events. Many questions remain unanswered, and it is essential to address these concerns to ensure the continued success of cultural activities in the region. The Tabarka Cultural Center plays a vital role in promoting cultural events, but it requires the support of local authorities and institutions.
The event demonstrated the importance of preserving and promoting Malouf music, a unique aspect of Tunisian cultural heritage. However, the challenges faced by the festival, including low attendance and lack of support from local authorities, must be addressed to ensure the continued success of such events.
The Manouba Regional Cultural Affairs Delegation and the Tabarka Cultural Center must work together to address the concerns raised by the festival's conclusion. This includes increasing the budget for the Cultural Center and encouraging local authorities and institutions to support cultural events.
Key points
- The 7th Tabarka Malouf Festival concluded with a performance, but raised questions about local authority attendance and engagement.
- The festival's program included various artistic evenings focused on Malouf music, but several questions remain unanswered.
- The cultural sector in Tabarka cannot be solely attributed to the Cultural Center and its administrators; responsibility lies with everyone in the region.
