Nabeul is on the south side of Cap Bon, just 10km north east of the seaside resort of Hammamet. It is a popular place to visit throughout the year for its gorgeous blue pottery and hand-painted tiles. In the spring however, Cap Bon celebrates its Orange Festival. 

This special event is to celebrate the appearance of the orange blossom on which the harvest depends. Orange trees are so prevalent on this peninsula that the whole Cap Bon air is sweetly scented with the orange blossom at this time. 

The Orange Festival is usually held in April or May and includes many folklore demonstrations and sideshows. Tunisian festivals usually involve a full program of music and dancing. The way of life is centred upon the family so these are always family events. Visitors can watch or join in the lively dancing. Traditional Tunisian music is generally played on ‘uds or ouds which is an Arabic lute. Drums are also part of the local music culture.

There are always plenty of stalls selling local pottery and handicrafts at any of these events. The quality of these locally made products is good and they make reasonably priced gifts and souvenirs to take back home. Carpets, slippers and even ‘chichoua’ which are the local fez hats can all be bought here, along with cool cotton blouses and kaftans. As in the souks, haggle for the best price possible and enjoy the festive atmosphere as you browse.

Later in the year, the oranges are harvested and visitors will see heaps of bright fresh fruit at the local shops and souks. They are juiciest and freshest from December to March and after that have generally past their ‘best before’ date. Further inland, Menzel Bouzelfa also holds an orange festival in mid April.