Tunisia is one of the countries that don’t celebrate Christmas – Tunisian Christmas exists primarily for tourists.

Christmas is a significant occasion celebrated across the globe. It brings people together in the spirit of giving, love, and hope for humanity.

However, there are still some countries that don’t observe this holiday.

For Christians, Christmas is one of the most important events on the calendar. This religious and cultural celebration is observed by billions of people annually on December 25th. Christian nations re-enact nativity scenes, which depict the birth of Jesus Christ. They also participate in religious observances such as midnight Mass.

Christmas traditions differ widely from country to country. People from various nations install and light Christmas trees, hang advent wreaths, and put out their stockings for Santa Claus to fill with treats.

Although the holiday has its roots in religious traditions and symbols dating back thousands of years, there are still many countries that do not celebrate Christmas.

Tunisia belongs to them and Tunisians celebrate Christmas mainly for the tourists spending their holidays there.

Christmas in Tunisia?

Because the vast majority of Tunisians call Islam, Christmas holidays are hardly celebrated in Tunisia. Christmas Day and Christmas Day are regular working days.

In addition to tourists from Western countries, Christmas in Tunisia is also celebrated to a small extent by groups of the Christian population. Tunisians celebrate New Year’s Eve more than Christmas as in other Muslim countries. Families gather to dine together and welcome the coming of the new year.

Tunisia offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a warm and exotic setting. From negotiating prices with flower vendors to exploring the souks for the perfect gift, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the country.

Even though Christmas is viewed as an economic opportunity for the locals, you can still attend mass in one of the many local churches. The stunning African beaches and warm climate make Tunisia an ideal destination to soak up the festive season.

So, why not consider experiencing Christmas in Tunisia, where you can enjoy a unique and unforgettable celebration?

Do you know Tunisian Christmas traditions and symbols?

You can find Christmas trees in many places popular with tourists and, of course, also in hotels. The streets of many cities are decorated with lights and other decorations. But Tunisian Christmas in big cities and tourist destinations has more of a commercial than a religious feel.

Every year in December, often just in time for the Christmas holidays, the famous international Sahara Festival takes place in the Tunisian city of Douz, which continues the old tradition of the original Camel Festival, which was held here for the first time in 1910.

The four-day event is a kind of celebration and a tribute to the cultures that inhabit the Sahara desert. Most events occur at the H’naiech Stadium in Douz, such as camel marathons, Arabian horse races, or traditional Bedouin wedding ceremonies. The poetry competition is also an important part.

Christmas in Tunisia, or the new year’s arrival, is an excellent opportunity to get to know traditional music and dance. Tunisian music blends African, Arabic, and Mediterranean influences and is characterized by rhythmic and energetic rhythms. Tunisian dancing is also an essential part of New Year’s celebrations, as are fireworks and firecrackers.

Who brings the presents to the children?

Although Tunisian Christmas is not celebrated in the true sense of the word, this does not mean that children do not receive presents. Traditionally, children across Africa believe that Mama Tinga Tinga brings them to them. It is a black African woman dressed in traditional, colorful clothing with a scarf on her head. What is the origin of this Christmas character?

However, under the influence of globalization, some children also believe in Santa Claus and, under the influence of the past, when Tunisia was a French colony, they called him Père Noël.

What is eaten in Tunisia at Christmas?

Almost all Tunisian households hold a family celebration on New Year’s Eve, including rich refreshments. The first course is often a traditional Tunisian dish called brik. It is a fried dough filled with egg, tuna, cheese, and vegetables.

Couscous is a popular dish throughout North Africa served during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many variants are usually served with different types of vegetables and meat.

Sorba is also a traditional part of the menu. This soup is prepared from different types of vegetables and spices.

Assidat zgougou, which is prepared from the seeds of the Aleppo pine, is served as dessert. The seeds are ground and mixed with sugar, flour, and starch, then cooked over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

The cream is made from sugar, milk, starch, vanilla, egg yolks, and rose water. At the end, the dessert is sprinkled with roasted almonds or pistachios.

The festive drink is surprising. Mint tea is a very popular drink in Tunisia and is often served on special occasions such as New Year’s Eve. It is prepared from green tea, sugar, and fresh mint leaves.

What places to visit in Tunisia at Christmas?

Most of us associate this North African country with summer vacations. If you decide to spend Christmas in Tunis, you can look forward to more pleasant temperatures, allowing you to get to know the local sights better.

• Tunis – several exciting places in the capital are suitable for visiting the city. The old Medina is the historical and cultural heart of Tunis. The narrow streets are a great place to experience the unique and vibrant Tunisian culture.

• Djerba – the island offers beautiful beaches lined with date palms, where you can experience a unique Christmas by the sea. Houmt Souk, whose old town quarter is a tangle of whitewashed houses, is also worth a visit.