Colors of Sousse - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Special traditions and customs of local people never cease to amaze foreign visitors with its originality and uniqueness. Every year, thousands of tourists arrive to Sousse from all over the world; for many of them an acquaintance with cultural traditions of citizens becomes the most vibrant and exciting adventure. An integral part of the national culture is the music of Sufis. Melodious musical tunes have changed for hundreds of years; however, they continue to be an important national feature.

A few centuries ago, national songs were sung with accompaniment of Rababa, the one-stringed musical instrument. In those days, folk songs were performed exclusively by women, or rather women's groups that were called Rababia. Today, old musical instruments are replaced with kamandzha, a stringed instrument looking like a violin. The music itself has changed too, retaining only its individuality.

For many travelers the first association with cultural traditions of indigenous people is hammam. A visit to it has long been a tradition not only for locals, but also for tourists. The hammam is often located near the mosque. Modern saunas are multi-purpose sports complexes, as they offer customers high quality massages and beauty treatments. Many interesting traditions are associated with hammam. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

For example, men can visit the hammam from dawn until noon, and women have access to the hammam from noon to sunset. Henna has become one of the national features; today it is used for cosmetic purposes in various countries around the world. While in some European countries they use henna mainly for hair care and tattooing, people of Sousse use it a very unusual way.

According to an old tradition, they paint soles of feet with henna. It is believed that this ritual helps to protect you from the evil eye. Residents of Sousse cherish cultural heritage; at the same time, every year a national culture is enriched by new European elements. Those who wish to appreciate traditions and customs of local people are recommended to go to suburbs of Sousse, where national identities are manifested most vividly.