Tunisia’s culture is highly diverse. It is a synthesis of various civilizations, from Carthage to Islamic dynasties that contributed to mix the culture of the country over centuries. This unique mixture of cultures made Tunisia, with its strategic geographical location in the Mediterranean, the core of some great civilizations

Architecture

Tunisian architecture includes a variety of influences. It can be seen in the Roman and Punic remains throughout the northern regions and along the coast Architecture and art from several ancient civilizations are universal . For example, the town of Dougga dates back to the Byzantine Empire. Roman mosaics are found everywhere Tunisian cities, both old and new have been built with many unique styles of architecture.

Tunis has since long been famous for its beautiful gates and windows. While the houses might be simple and minimalistic, wealth was centered to the workmanship of these wooden elements. The dominating colours for doors are blue and beige, while windows are dominated by blue.

Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions

Sweet or colorful dishes symbolize religious holidays, usually in addition to couscous. For weddings and other happy occasions, sweets are added to the couscous. Animals are slaughtered for religious gatherings, and the meat is shared among the participants as a way of symbolizing the togetherness

Music & Dance

Tunisian music is very diverse and has been influenced by Andalusian, Turkish and Arabic rhythms. Arabic classical music, Malouf can be heard in the old palaces or in cafes in the street while classical music resounds in the St Louis cathedral of Carthage converted into the Acropolium or in the Roman coliseum of El Djem.

In SidiBou Said, you can hear the creation of contemporary Tunisian masters while in Tabarka during the festival, you can enjoy jazz and music of the world (listen to music played in the festival of Tabarka).

Dance is an important part of Tunisian culture, and can often be seen at weddings, concerts, festivals, and even football games. More traditional dance resembles a faster version of Egyptian style dancing, and is distinguished mainly by its dynamic, since it is faster with more staccato, and the multitude of forms, with each region having its own "style.

Religion

Although Islam is prevailing, all other great religions coexist peacefully in Tunisia. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God, (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation to mankind. Tunisian State provides for Freedom of Religion on its Constitutional clause. Jewish and Christian communities freely observe their rites and contribute to enriching the diversity of the Tunisian culture.

Tunisia was home to large populations of Christian. It comprise its second largest religion that branches out to several sects. The largest church is the Roman Catholic which operates 12 churches, 9 schools and can freely holding religious services organized cultural activities, and performed charitable work throughout the country

Judaism comes next as the third largest religion in Tunisia the majority on the island Jerba where their religious centre is located, it dates at least 1,400 years back in time, with the Ghriba synagogue in Har Sghira on Jerba. Jews of Tunisia live peacefully with their Muslim neighbour

Warm and hospitable, Tunisians are always available and ready to lend a hand.

Ramadan

For Muslims throughout the world, Ramadan is a time of reflection and good works During this religious fasting period, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations during the day. At sundown, everyone unites and celebrates with a large family meal. The glorious month of Ramadan is special in Tunisia, where life takes a different course, marked with special customs and traditions. The families decorate the front of their houses and those caring for Mosques give them an extra coat of paint and light up the minarets with lamps.

Tunisian Family Values

The family remains the basic unit of Tunisian society. With the assistance of public and private institutions, it continues to function as a vital support mechanism for the individual at all stages of life. The individual is always less important than the family or group as a whole. The family consists of both the nuclear (parents, brothers, sisters) and the extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins).

Family members helped each other not only in the core family, but also in the extended family .

Honor, reputation, and mutual support are the most important family values in Tunisia

Wedding

In summer Tunisia becomes awash with happy couples, swanky dresses as the air fills with the sound of ululation.

Traditionally, Tunisian marriage preparations along with the ceremony itself lasted up between 3 days to a week .Traditions vary from the north and south and between families .In the first one - hamaam-the bride and groom are separated, and the bride and her female friends and family go together to the bathhouse. In the second evening, the bride is decorated with harkous or henna (temporary tattoo-like designs on her hands and feet). The third night includes a wedding reception. People get together for music, dancing, food, and celebrations. the bride often wore up to seven dresses, each one displaying the finest embroidery and jewels.

Jasmine

Imported by the Andalusians in the sixteenth century, jasmine has become the national flower of Tunisia. The jasmine bouquet "Machmoum" is carried by all Tunisians during the summer season. Its sweet smell will carry you in a day-dream in the land of a million aromas

Furthermore, jasmine is the subject of a specific sign language. A man who wears jasmine on his left ear indicates that he is single and in addition, offering white jasmine is seen as a proof of love.

The most important Tunisian holidays and festivals

Eid-Al-Fitr: It is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal and marks the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated as a reward from God for fasting for whole month of Ramadan.

Eid Al-Adha: It is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Muslims around the world observe this event.

March 20th. Independence Day: On this day, the nation commemorates the formation of its first government after 20 years of fighting.

April 9th. Martyrs Day: Tunisians pay tribute to the fallen in 1938 and the arrest of Bourgiba.

June – July. Hammamet International Festival: This lively festival showcases regional songs in everything from theater performance to folkloric dances.

July 25th. Republic Day: This holiday pays tribute to the declaration of the Republic of Tunisia in 1957 via the overthrow of the monarchy.

July – August. International Festival of Carthage: Taking place at the end of July and beginning of August.The International Festival of Carthage features classical music, jazz, folk music, theater, films, and ballet.It is a festival held in Carthage and happens to attract people from around the world.

October Carthage International Film Festival: Every two years the island of Carthage hosts this festival specifically dedicated to cinematographic arts.