Every December, the golden desert sands of southern Tunisia erupt in a spectacular display of energy and heritage as the International Festival of the Sahara, also known as the Douz Festival, comes alive.
“The festival will take place from Thursday, December 25, to Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Douz, the pearl of the Tunisian Sahara,” organisers shared in a Facebook post.
The Bedouin people originated in the Syrian Desert and Arabian Desert but spread across the rest of the Arab world in West Asia and North Africa.
The Festival of Sahara historically used to be an annual Bedouin bridal fair, where nomadic families gathered to trade, reconnect, and scout potential matches for their children.
Today, the festival has expanded into a four-day celebration dedicated to the richness of Bedouin life and desert traditions, drawing more than 50,000 visitors from across Tunisia and abroad.
The festival is also a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavours. And when the pulse of the races, rifle fire, and music becomes overwhelming, visitors can retreat to the food stalls to indulge in Douz’s sweetest pride—its freshly harvested dates.
The equestrian shows are particularly impressive. They involve a veritable swarm of riders cantering across the ground, turning abruptly and stopping in their tracks before shooting into the air.
Other times, horses plunge forward with turbaned riders, whipping up desert dust to the rousing cheers of thousands.
Organisers say the purpose of the festival remains the same: to preserve and honour traditional desert life, showcasing its unique authenticity and enduring spirit.
Visitors can enjoy traditional wrestling, poetry readings, music, and dance, alongside recreations of nomadic customs in colourful tableaus.
The Museum of the Sahara, located in Douz, further enriches the experience with exhibitions on nomadic culture, offering context to the celebrations outside the festival grounds.
There is also wrestling, a central event of a poetry contest and readings, as well as traditional music and colourful dancing. Traditional tableaus of desert life and customs are reenacted.
Organisers say the Sahara Douz Festival is now a huge celebration, although it still retains an authentic feel.
The equestrian shows are particularly impressive. They involve a veritable swarm of riders cantering across the ground, turning abruptly and stopping in their tracks before shooting into the air.
Whether its to witness the heart-pounding horse races or simply to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Bedouin people while snacking on freshly harvested dates, the International Festival of the Sahara promises an unforgettable experience.
