Colors of Djerba Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Planning a trip to Djerba Island, remember that the majority of the local population is Muslim. Islam is the state religion here, so people here pay a church tax along with other ones. Even though Sharia law has no primacy, still it’s really important to take islanders’ mentality features into account. For instance, you can easily meet a kneeling praying man on the streets. It would be highly inappropriate to stare at a Muslim while he or she is praying, as such occasions are quite common here. In addition, it’s also totally improper to look at women in a burqa as well as to take pictures of locals surreptitiously. You can just come and ask a person for permission to take a photo of him or her.

Despite the well-known strict Muslim rules concerning clothes, it’s ok to lie topless on the local beaches. However, nudists have to look for a small and remote bay, if they don’t want to mess up with police. Wherein, it’s better not to walk around the central streets just in shorts and a T-shirt as such a look would actually puzzle local people. As for women, please, refrain from wearing any revealing clothing. Nobody will make you put on a burqa, of course, and most Tunisians would pay attention to the way tourists look like, but, on the other hand, some guys might come to a young woman in a miniskirt and with a plunging neckline approaching to get a room.

In order not to get in trouble with the law, you should abstain from drinking wine, beer, etc. from the bottle right on the streets. Drinking alcohol outside the designated places is forbidden here. Besides, you have to remember that there is the month called Ramadan in the Muslin calendar during which religious observe a strict fast. Though nobody would deny serving you in bars or restaurants in this period, offer locals to have a bite or a drink with is totally rude. The same is about smoking. Moreover, when you’re, for instance, in a café, don’t look at other people while they’re eating under no circumstances. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Sometimes you can see men who are having jasmine sprigs behind one’s ear. Sprigs behind the right ear mean that a man is married; behind the left one – vice versa. Nevertheless, there is no need for tourists to do the same. Djerba Island is a highly popular tourist destination so don’t be surprised if you see "ladies of easy virtue" in the night time – it’s just because prostitution is legalised in Tunisia.

Be careful with your personal things when going to the overcrowded places as there is a possibility to be robbed by pickpockets. We would advise you to exchange your money in the special department in the hotel you’re planning to stay in. However, if there are price tags in a store, then dollars and euros might be accepted as well. But, actually, currency is quite variable here and it’s far not always beneficial.

It’s not ok to elevate the voice on other people here on the island. Locals are rather calm, poised, and friendly – especially to foreigners. But almost nobody speaks English here; you would rather meet those locals who know French. On the other hand, in case if you have some communication problems owing to the language barrier, you can ask policemen to help you, as they – especially those who work in the touristic points – speak English pretty well and would be glad to help. Here on Djerba Island people always greet each other entering public places (e.g. pubs, shops, restaurants, etc.). And it doesn’t even matter what language you speak – you’ll be understood anyway. Another important fact that you have to keep in your mind is that the conflict between Jews – who have been inhabiting the island since the ancient times – and Muslims has deteriorated, so conversations about religion are not welcome.

The best time for a journey to Djerba Island is during the huge Ulysse Festival which takes place at the end of July – the beginning of August. Diverse concerts and theater performances can be seen on special platforms or just right on the streets. Foreign guests, including various performers from France and the mainland Tunisia, come to the island. One of the most fascinating shows is dance battles. Teams from all over the world participate in it. What is more, people here actively celebrate New Year, Tunisian Independence Day, International Youth Day, Martyrs’ Day, International Workers' Day, Tunisia National Day, and International Women’s Day too.