Celebration of Culture!

Posted by Adriana Nanette - -

Etiquette in Tunisia

Greetings: Handshakes are the regular greetings among people of the same sex. In greetings between men and women, the woman is expected to extend her hand first. If she does not do so, the man should just bow his head. Tunisians converse about their families, friends, and other general topics when greeting each other.

Dining: When invited to their homes, check the invitation and make sure that your spouse is also invited because conservative Tunisians do not entertain mixed-sex groups. You should dress well because it is a sign of respect towards the host. Compliment their home. You may be asked to remove your shoes.

Table manners: The guest of honor sits next to the host. Water will be poured over your hands in a washing basin before the meal is served. Dry your hands on the towel provided. Male and females eat separated: first men and then women. The host will bless the food and then you can begin to eat. You should eat from the section of the bowl that is in front of you because it is not considered right to reach across the bowl to get something from the other side. You can eat with your hands or with a knife and fork. Spoons will be given for eating couscous. If you choose to eat with your hands, you should only use the right one. It is considered good manners to try a bit of everything. At the end of the meal, the washing basin will be brought around the table again.

Tunisian Couscous Recipe

Music, Dance, and Art

Malouf is a type of Arabic music very popular in Tunisia. It was chased out of Spain, was imported to North Africa, Tunisia in particular, at the end of the 15th century. It grew so popular that it became Tunisi's true music. It was named 'malouf', which means 'that which is normal'. The origin of this music can be traced back to Portugal and Spain.

The oud is a popular musical instrument played in Tunisia. It is considered to be the oldest musical intrument. Most of the ouds in Tunisia are now made in factories. The number of craftsmen making the instrument has considerably reduced in number.

Traditional Tunisian Dance

Tunisian cinema is today recognized as one of the most inventive and liberal cinemas of the Arab world. It has been gradually making it's way to an international audience. Tunisia has been the location for major motion picture productions, including Star Wars in 1977.

Contemporary Tunisian painting is also part of the culture and traditions of Tunisia. Some Tunisian artists are for example, Hamadi Ben Saad and Hassen Soufy.