Night in Tunisia: The International Festival of the Sahara

As a large palm oasis sitting on the edge of the desert, Douz is unofficially known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Popular with adventurers who want a taste of the nomadic life, this city is basecamp for tourists and survivalists alike. Every year in December, the city celebrates its nomadic heritage with the International Festival of the Sahara.

© McKay Savage | Flickr

The original Camel Festival took place in 1910 while Tunisia was still under French rule, showcasing Bedouin traditions like camel racing and the annual marriage market. It wasn’t until 1967 the occasion grew into what it is today. After becoming the first president of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba aimed to raise the festival’s profile, primarily by the work of M’hammed Marzougi who dedicated his life to educating people about nomadic life in North Africa.

© Magharebia | Flickr

By 1981, the Camel Festival grew with the addition of other Arab and African cultures, turning the gathering into the International Festival of the Sahara. Today, more than 50,000 people congregate in the city of Douz for camel races, sand-hockey matches and desert hunts, many of which take place in H’naiech Stadium on the edge of town, surrounded by a ring of Bedouin tents.

© Magharebia | Flickr

Camel wrestling is one of the most popular events, where two males compete for the affection of a mate by gurgling at each other and trying to knock the other off their feet. Even more prestigious is the camel race, which always takes place on the last day of the festival to a packed stadium. If you want to get a taste of what the Sahara is like, go outside for one of the desert hunts where trained Moroccan greyhounds called Sloughi are set on a fleeing rabbit, with the crowds placing bets on which one gets the catch.