42nd Edition of the Medina Festival of Tunis: A Celebration of Tradition and Spirituality
The 42nd edition of the Medina Festival of Tunis, scheduled to take place from February 21 to March 15, 2026, promises to be a unique and enriching experience. This year's festival will feature 30 performances, mostly musical, with a few theatrical productions, at iconic venues such as the Tunis Municipal Theater, Dar Lasram, Bir Lahjar Cultural Center, Tahar Haddad Cultural Club, and Zaouiet Sidi Mehrez.
A Faithful Cartography
The festival's programming is faithful to its spirit, with a focus on traditional music, including tarab, malouf, and spiritual performances. The opening night on February 21 will feature "Riadh al-Achiqine" by Zied Mahdi at the Tunis Municipal Theater. The following days will showcase a range of performances, including Faouzi Chekili's "Taqasim," Malak Abdelmoula's "Sihr Al-Nagham," and Souhaiel Cherni's "Sirta Nova."
Highlights of the Festival
February 28 will be a highlight of the festival, with several performances taking place, including "Zouhour Al Tarab" by the Club Al Assil of Sfax, featuring Maherzia Touil as the guest of honor at the Tunis Municipal Theater. The festival will also feature a jazz performance by Ahmed Ajabi Jazztet – Bop Elation, providing a welcome respite from the largely classical programming.
Theater and Spirituality
Theater will make a discreet appearance on March 1 with "Kahlat Lahdhab" by Taher Issa Belarbi. The following days will focus on Sufism and spiritual music, with performances by Ahmed Jelmam, the Greek Choir of Tunis, and Makram Lansari. The festival will also feature a tribute to Fadhel Jaziri and a performance by the Soulamia of Ben Mahmoud.
Geographical Scope and Intimacy
The festival's programming will cover a wide geographical scope, from Istanbul to Iraq, with performances by Ali Hussein and others. The festival will also feature intimate recitals, such as Haykel Siala's "Rafiq al Darb." Tributes will also be paid to notable figures, including Najat Al Sghira and Zied Gharsa.
The Strength of the Venue and the Constraint of Space
The president of the association, Chedly Ben Younes, emphasizes the importance of fidelity to the historical venues of the Medina, which is a cultural act in itself. However, this fidelity also poses a constraint, as the venues have limited capacity, ranging from 150 to 300 seats. This limits access to the public and raises questions about the democratization of cultural offerings.
Between Transmission and Artistic Prudence
The 42nd edition of the festival is characterized by a coherent aesthetic line, with a focus on Arab musical heritage, tarab, and a measured opening to other Mediterranean horizons. The festival continues to play its role as a bridge, offering a stage to confirmed artists while allowing young talents to emerge. However, the programming also gives the impression of a certain prudence, with few formal risks taken and few bold crossings between disciplines.
A Fragile Financial Balance
The festival is non-profit and relies on public funding, which is not always sufficient. The organizers strive to maintain affordable prices while ensuring the quality of the performances and the festival's sustainability. The initiative to allocate part of the revenue to the Association Carthage Horizon highlights the festival's social commitment and ethical dimension.
Conclusion
The 42nd edition of the Medina Festival of Tunis promises to be a faithful celebration of tradition and spirituality. While it may not take many risks, it remains a unique and enriching experience that showcases the best of Arab musical heritage. The question remains whether the festival will dare to shift its lines slightly in future editions, without betraying its soul. For now, this edition is a rendezvous with the festival's faithful spirit: a month of tarab, spirituality, and musical memory, at the heart of a Medina that continues to resonate with its stones every Ramadan.
Read also: Ramadan 2026: Program of the Medina Festival of Tunis
