Eid al Adha
Eid al Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice as it is otherwise known is a festival held to mark the time when Muslims make pilgrimages to Mecca in memory of the time when the Biblical character Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice his son Ishmael. The story holds that a sheep was sacrificed instead of Ishmael and hence Muslims sacrifice sheep and other animals at this time to mark the occasion.

Islamic New Year
Otherwise known as Muharram, the Islamic New Year is celebrated across Tunisia with religious services and general festivities. Alcoholic drinks may not be available for purchase in some areas at this time.

Ashura
Ashura which is otherwise known as the Shi'ite day of mourning is held on the 7th of the month and is a day on which Shi’a Muslims pay respect to memory of the martyr Husayn ibn Ali. Locals pay visits to tombs and bonfires as part of the day’s rituals.

Milad al-Nabi
The birthday of Muhammad is celebrated on the day of Milad al-Nabi which falls differently depending on whether you are Shi’a or Sunni. Locals celebrate with a variety of events including processions, feasts and decorating of the towns.

Labour Day
Tunisians celebrate Labour Day with a public holiday for everyone. It is a chance for Tunisians to relax and catch up with family and friends. Availability of services for tourists might be reduced somewhat on this day.

International Festival of Sfax
The international festival of Sfax is held in the municipality of Sfax every year and features a varied programme which includes Arabic pop and classical singers. It is incredibly popular with locals and allows visitors an insight into mainstream Arabic music.

International Festival of Jazz
Tunisian and international jazz artists come together to showcase their talents at this popular annual musical event. Performaces are held throughout the city and are usually packed out.

Republic Day
Republic Day marks the anniversary of the declaration of independence from France which too place in 1956. It is a public holiday and is celebrated with various local community activities.

International Festival of Bizerta
Held in the town of Bizerta, this event is essentially an arts festival and sees performances by musicians and dancers among others.

Ramadan
Acknowledged by the global Muslim community as the most important period in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan lasts the whole month and is a time for fasting and abstinence. Shops, restaurants and local services may well be affected during this time as business owners become involved in the period’s religious rituals.

Eid al Fitr
Eid al Fitr is a chance for the locals to relax a little following the hardships endured during the Ramadan period. Three days of prayer and festivities see numerous feasts, gift-giving and family visits.

International Festival of the Sahara
The otherwise quiet and sparsely populated town of Douz becomes the scene of a spectacular event that celebrates the art and traditions of the Saharan people. Performers and visitors from across Northern Africa assemble for this exciting festival.

Eid al Adha
A repeat of the festival held in mid January.

Shopping hours: 1 Jan
Eid al-Idha (Feast of the Sacrifice): January – dates vary
Hegire (Islamic New Year): January – dates vary
Independence Day: 20 March
Youth Day: 21 March
Martyr's Day: 9 April
Mouled (Prophet's Anniversary): April – dates vary
Labour Day: 1 May
Republic Day: 25 July
Women's Day: 13 August
Eid al-Fitr: 22-24 October
New Era Day: 7 November
Eid al-Idha (Feast of the Sacrifice); December – dates vary