24 August 13, 2017 Travel www.thearabweekly.com Agenda Carthage: Through August 19 The Carthage International Festi- val is one of the most compelling arts and cultural events in North Africa, drawing a mix of local and international performers to Tuni- sia over a period of several weeks. It takes place at the Carthage Amphitheatre. Hammamet: Through August 26 Hammamet, a Tunisian town on the northern edge of the Gulf of Hammamet, is the site of the 53rd Hammamet International Beach cafés in the coastal town of Kelibia. (The Tunisian Ministry of Tourism) Festival. Concerts and plays are scheduled for more than a month. Abu Dhabi: Tunisia’s Kelibia, Through August 27 “The Lest We Forget Exhibi- tion” presents a rich exploration of Emirati identity as conveyed through modes of adornment. a peaceful fishing The highly interactive art exhibi- tion welcomes visitor contribu- tion of objects, memories and reflections pertaining to Emirati town that offers adornment. Dubai: August 31-December 31 perfect getaway “La Perle” features 65 artists performing amazing stunts and aerial antics above an on-stage Roua Khlifi lisations. Among the sites that have A historic site in the coastal town of Kelibia. pool filled with 2.7 million litres been discovered and preserved are (The Tunisian Ministry of Tourism) of water in a state-of-the-art, churches that date to the Roman custom-built theatre. The show Kelibia period. takes place at Al Habtoor City. In 2007, during construction to hill-top fortress, vis- expand a youth hostel, a synagogue Khouribga: ible from afar, tow- with a still-intact mosaic dating to September 9-16 ers majestically over the seventh century was discov- scattered buildings ered, ben Boubaker said. Up to 14 feature films from 14 in Kelibia, beckon- Another hallmark of Kelibia is countries will compete for the ingA visitors to enjoy the wealth of the fortress. Built on a 150-metre prestigious Grand Prix Sembene nature and history in the beautiful rock formation, the fort dominates Ousmane of the African Cinema coastal town. Only an hour’s drive the Gulf of Cap Bon. Its oldest parts Festival. Launched in 1977, the east from Tunis, Kelibia is a peace- contain Roman elements, while Khouribga African Film Festival is ful fishing village with luscious, the bulk of the fortress dates to the one of the oldest film festivals in white, sandy beaches and a vibrant sixth century. Morocco. The festival promotes cultural life. “The symbol of Kelibia is the fort film-making in Africa, highlights The town has a lot to offer visitors, that played an important role in the art’s potential and strength- particularly those looking to avoid both war and peace times. The fort ens exchange and cooperation crowded tourist areas elsewhere. Its was originally a military castle and between African producers. well-preserved, natural beaches are has many other important ruins. perfect for a quiet getaway. There is so much that remains un- Tangier: It is also an ideal spot for fresh discovered in the fort’s surrounding September 14-17 seafood. Walking down the streets, as it is still today a digging site for visitors are sure to see an array of ruins,” said ben Boubaker. A view of the coastal town of Kelibia. (The Tunisian Ministry of Tourism) The 18th Tangier’s Jazz Festival small motorbikes with yellow boxes “There were even the ruins of an features international and local on the back transporting the daily entire village at the foot of the for- jazz artists at one of Morocco’s catch of fish from the port to restau- tress that is still being studied and certain aspect of freedom that the and economic issues. premier cultural events. Over rants. Early in the morning at the examined.” town offers to its visitors.” “Kelibia has a vibrant cultural four days, visitors can attend free port, fishermen prepare their nets Made up of square towers and “The town is alive and active at scene with the International Ama- street performances, free dance and boats set off to sea. accessible by a gate at the front, night, which helps people enjoy teur Film Festival,” said ben Bou- courses and jazz concerts. Situated near the tip of Tunisia’s the fort contains characteristics of their time and walk around feeling baker, adding that prominent north-eastern Cap Bon Peninsula, many civilisations, including Ro- safe,” Jenhani added. “There are cultural figures visit the town Manama: the town boasts of a history that man military vestiges, a Byzantine so many beautiful and undiscov- throughout the year. September 14-23 dates to prehistoric times and in- church and Ottoman basins. Marked ered places in Kelibia where one “Kelibia was the capital of ma- cludes Punic, Byzantine and Roman by a beautiful lighthouse, the fort can enjoy the serenity of the beach louf music and has one of the oldest Alayam Cultural Fair is a suc- epochs. provides a panoramic scene of the with a view of the forest in the back- musical groups that play this tradi- cessful book sale event with “The town of Kelibia has wit- town. There are places on the fort ground.” tional music type,” he said. “This the participation of celebrated nessed the alternation of many where the Italian Island of Pantel- The town is renowned for an also made the town famous for its publishing houses from the Arab civilisations,” said Habib ben Bou- leria, 70km from the northernmost abundance of fish and its prominent cultural role.” region and other countries from baker, a professor of history and ge- tip of Kelibia, is visible. fishing port. Kelibia is home to Tu- Wherever one wanders in Keli- around the world. The fair is ography and a member of the Asso- Kelibia also offers clear waters nisia’s National Fishing School. bia, beauty and serenity are appar- accompanied by many exciting ciation of Safeguarding the Medina and beautiful beaches that draw Cultural events are also part of ent. Visitors can swim in the town’s cultural activities. and Heritage of Kelibia. “There are visitors from all over. Kelibia life. The International Film world-renowned waters, savour even prehistoric ruins in the sur- “The beautiful beaches, the scen- Festival of Kelibia marked its 32nd fresh seafood and sip coffee in one roundings of Kelibia. This is to say ery and the relaxing atmosphere edition in August. The festival, or- of the many scattered beach cafés. We welcome submissions of that the origins of the town are an- are all reasons that make Kelibia ganised by the Tunisian Federa- It is a beautiful and relaxing desti- calendar items related to cient, as it was the cradle for many an attraction,” said Omar Jenhani, tion of Amateur Film-makers, cel- nation that has maintained cultural cultural events of interest to civilisations.” a founding member of the Cultural ebrates national and international and historical authenticity. travellers in the Middle East Much of the town’s history has and Environmental Association of alternative cinema with films from and North Africa. yet to be discovered and excava- Kelibia. 22 countries entered in the interna- Roua Khlifi is a regular Travel and Please send tips to: tions continue to uncover more in- “The beaches are one of the finest tional competition. The festival pro- Culture contributor to The Arab [email protected] formation on the area’s ancient civi- in the whole world. There is also a motes films tackling social, political Weekly. She is based in Tunis. A view of the coastal town from the site of the Kelibia Fort. (The Tunisian Ministry of Tourism) A view of the Kelibia Fort by night. (The Tunisian Ministry of Tourism).