One of the most fascinating cultural events to be experienced in Tunisia is the local falconry festival at El Haouaria. 

It usually takes place in mid-May or early June in this pretty coastal town on the tip of green Cap Bon, about 55 km (35 miles) north east of Tunis. The town was named by the Romans as ‘Aquilaria’ which means the ‘country of eagles’. It has long been a resting place for falcons and other birds of prey as they migrate from Europe to Africa. 

These beautiful birds of prey breed on the rugged coastline around Cap Bon and falconry is traditionally associated with the town. The young birds are taken from their cliff nests in the spring and are used for hunting quail, hare and partridges in the early summer. They are then released back into the wild after the Falconry Festival. 

The festival takes place over three days at the Nadi el Bayazara Falconry Centre in El Haouaria and events also take place on the beach. Sparrow hawks and rare peregrine falcons are used to catch quails and other live prey.

Thousands of visitors each year pour into the area for the Festival to enjoy the archeological sites as well as the talks on the ancient art of falconry and the bird migrations. There are around 158 falconers who take part in the displays and the skills are passed from father to son. The award of the best Falconer of the Year is a prestigious and highly sought-after title.