SEC-S17/ Week 3 | National Festival

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What is the national festival of your country? How did it start

Tunisia's National Day, March 16 each year, is a very special moment for me. It is an occasion where I can express my pride for my country by celebrating our rich cultural heritage. This day is of particular importance because it highlights Tunisian crafts and traditional clothing, elements which are at the heart of our national identity.

The history of this holiday dates back to 1996 when the authorities officially declared March 16 as a national holiday. It was an important decision that aimed to highlight our unique identity as Tunisia and celebrate our ancestral clothing traditions. This official recognition of our national holiday strengthened the feeling of belonging to the nation and aroused a surge of pride among Tunisians.

Every year when this date arrives I feel a sense of joy and excitement. It is an opportunity to celebrate together as a nation, share our love for our country and pay tribute to our ancestors who have preserved these traditions over generations. The national holiday thus becomes a moment of gathering where we can all express our pride in being Tunisian.

How is this festival celebrated? Are there any special rules for celebrating it?

The celebration of our national day, for me, is a moment of great excitement and national unity. I remember the preparations in schools and government institutions, where students and employees get ready with excitement by donning our traditional costumes. It was a time when we could all express our pride in our cultural heritage by wearing our traditional clothes with dignity. There were often specific rules to follow to ensure that the celebration took place in accordance with traditions and to promote our Tunisian culture appropriately.

However, beyond official events, the celebration of our national holiday is also marked by more intimate and family moments. At my house, we often gather as a family to share a festive meal, where we enjoy traditional dishes and exchange stories about our culture and history. These moments of sharing strengthen our bond with our country and remind us of the importance of preserving our traditions for future generations.

Are there any special outfits or foods for celebrating your national festival?

When it comes to special outfits to celebrate our national day, I fondly remember the times when I would choose my traditional outfit carefully. Dressing in traditional Tunisian clothing, such as the jebba or the karakou, is a way for me to connect to my roots and celebrate our culture with pride. When I get ready for the day, I carefully choose every detail of my outfit, from embroidered designs to bright colors that symbolize our cultural heritage.

For special foods, the national holiday is the perfect opportunity to taste some traditional dishes that make Tunisian cuisine famous. I remember the delicious mlawi, this flaky and crusty bread which is a must for festive tables. Its light texture and delicate flavors add a touch of festivity to every bite. And of course, there is bssissa, a local specialty that tantalizes the taste buds with its rich aromas and savory spices. Each bite of these culinary delights transports me to warm memories and reminds me of the importance of our gastronomy in our celebration traditions.

Tell us about your favorite memory from celebrating your national festival.

My favorite memory of the celebration of our national day takes me back to my primary school years, precisely in 1998. It was a time when every student was filled with great excitement at the idea of donning our traditional costumes. For me, this day was more than just a celebration; it was an affirmation of our cultural identity, a tribute to our ancestors and our homeland.

I see myself again with emotion, among my comrades, all dressed in our most beautiful traditional clothes. The feeling of pride that emanated from us was palpable. Every detail of our costumes, from the embroidered designs to the shimmering colors, was carefully chosen to reflect the richness of our cultural heritage.

During this memorable day, one anecdote in particular comes back to me with fondness. One of my friends decided to add a touch of humor to the celebration by tying his chachia, this traditional Tunisian head covering, in a rather fanciful way on his head. His mischievous gesture sparked contagious laughter among us, adding a note of lightness and joy to the solemn atmosphere of the day.

This memory remains etched in my mind as a symbol of the festive spirit and camaraderie that characterize our national celebrations. It also embodies our people's ability to find joy even in the most solemn moments, strengthening our resilience and unity as a nation.

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Thank you very much for reading, it's time to invite my friends @hamzayousafzai, @suboohi, @ngoenyi to participate in this contest.

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@kouba01