Celebration of the Mouled Festival in Kairouan
In addition to organizing religious events, concerts, and Sufi songs in honor of the Prophet at the Abou Zamaâ El Balawi mausoleum, ceremonies of circumcision, a "Kharja" Kairouanaise, competitions of liturgical songs and Quran recitation, many fairs and exhibitions of a commercial and tourist nature were held during the celebration of the Mouled festival.
The Press — Thus, many artisans from all delegations of the Kairouan governorate, as well as from other Tunisian cities, had the opportunity to showcase and sell their products at affordable prices.
Moreover, female artisans specializing in wedding dress making and accessories, jewelry, tapestry, leather goods, copper engraving, aesthetics, furniture, interior decoration, painting on all supports, embroidery, and cabinetmaking were able to sell their products to future brides looking to complete their trousseau.
Other visitors were delighted to discover a variety of artisanal products and local specialties, particularly clothing made from haïk, alfa-based furniture, traditional jewelry, trinkets, traditional pastries, whole wheat couscous, fig jam, gluten-free biscuits, spices, harissa, bsissa, and various aromas and essential oils.
On the other hand, daily entertainment provided by folk groups and parades attracted a large number of citizens who appreciated the regional specialties, especially traditional clothing that reflects our labyrinthine and tortuous architecture, which closes itself off to external views to open up to itself.
The henna costume "kiswa tarayoun" was particularly admired, consisting of a black velvet bolero with embroidery, velvet pants, and two bands adorning the legs at the front, not to mention the sefsari, fouta, hrem, maliya, blousa, balghas, and kountras made by hand from goat and sheep skin.
Obviously, all these items require a lot of patience and precision, which is why young people are reluctant to take over from those who have aged or are bedridden due to illness.
"What hurts me the most," says Si Mahmoud, a specialist in making kountras and balghas, "is that my son, a teacher, did not want to learn this craft because he cannot stand the smell of glue.
Moreover, since raw materials are becoming increasingly expensive, especially leather and nails, I am forced to repair old shoes to survive..."
