The Fourth Edition of the Ramadan‑time Festival “Tajalliyat El Halfaouine” Opens in Tunis
The fourth edition of the Ramadan‑season celebration “Tajalliyat El Halfaouine” kicked off on the evening of Thursday, 5 March 2026 on El Halfaouine Square in the historic medina of Tunis. For this occasion, the heart of the medina was dressed in its finest attire, letting art revive its soul.
A Vibrant Opening Night
A large audience of local residents and visitors to the medina gathered to enjoy the first performances of an event that, in recent years, has been dedicated to breathing new life into this public space and placing it at the centre of cultural activity throughout the month of Ramadan.
Programme of the First Day
The opening day began with a series of artistic performances, ranging from stage‑craft shows to contemporary artistic experiments.
| Time | Event | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 21:00 | Clown Show – students of the École pratique des métiers du théâtre – École de l’acteur | An interactive act built on physical and gestural play, inspired by physical theatre and body comedy, creating a lively atmosphere and direct interaction with the audience. |
| 22:00 | “Just Robotics Show” | A visual‑technology‑driven spectacle that blended light effects, movement and rhythm, offering a modern artistic experience that captured the audience’s attention and added diversity to the opening programme. |
| Late Night | Sufi Singer Ahmed Jelmem – “Houyem” | A musical performance that fuses Sufi chant with Tunisian musical heritage. Jelmem explained that the title evokes mystical surrender in the divine presence. The piece is not bound by a fixed program; it relies on spiritual improvisation and the freedom to shift between musical modes according to the moment’s feeling and audience reaction. |
Ahmed Jelmem’s “Houyem”
- Concept – A dialogue between Sufi singing and Tunisian musical tradition.
- Inspiration – Jelmem’s artistic journeys to India and Turkey, which bring Maghreb influences together with sounds from elsewhere, while the core remains rooted in traditional Tunisian melodies.
- Re‑interpreted Classics – The singer presented refreshed versions of heritage songs such as “Gamret Ellil,” “Ellayl Zéhi,” and “Ya Latif.”
Festival Details
- Organizer: Tunisian National Theatre (TNT) under the auspices of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
- Duration: The festival will run until 10 March 2026.
- Offerings: A varied artistic and cultural programme that mixes theatre, stage arts, spiritual singing, music, and animated shows.
Further Reading
Festival de la Chanson Tunisienne : coup d’envoi de la 24ème édition
Stay tuned for more updates on the vibrant cultural scene of Tunis during Ramadan!
