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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ณ Tunisia /Culture & Society

Nabeul Crafts Fair revitalizes tradition with modern flair

From La Presse · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The 19th Nabeul Crafts Fair showcased over 100 artisans from various Tunisian cities.
  • The fair, held from July 24 to August 9, blended traditional crafts with modern trends.
  • It aimed to boost summer tourism and commercial activity in Nabeul, known as the City of Potters.

Nabeul, Tunisia โ€“ The 19th edition of the Nabeul Crafts Fair successfully brought together over 100 artisans from across Tunisia, transforming the Parc des expositions into a vibrant showcase of creativity. Running from July 24 to August 9, the event highlighted innovative designs that skillfully merged traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styles, aligning with current market trends.

Open to the public every day from 5 p.m. to midnight, this fair offers artisans a space to present and sell their products, and visitors, Tunisians and tourists alike, the opportunity to discover a rich variety of traditional creations.

โ€” Najet RabahDescribing the Nabeul Crafts Fair and its importance for artisans and visitors.

Artisans from diverse cities, including Tunis, Ben Arous, and Kairouan, presented a wide array of products. Offerings ranged from pottery, textiles, and basketry to jewelry, distilled floral waters, wood carvings, traditional costumes, and local food products. The fair served as a crucial platform for these artisans to exhibit and sell their work, while also providing visitors, both local and international, with a rich cultural experience.

My idea is based on recycled products, while adding a modern touch without denying our identity.

โ€” Najet RabahExplaining her design philosophy for her 'couffin tendance' products.

Organizers emphasized the fair's role in enhancing summer tourism and stimulating commercial activity in Nabeul, a city renowned for its pottery heritage. Najet Rabah, an artisan specializing in "couffin tendance" (trendy baskets), explained her approach of recycling wool blankets into modern accessories while preserving traditional identity. Similarly, Amel El Mazouzi presented polymer jewelry and accessories blending modernity and tradition, and Ameni Ben Arbia showcased chic yet casual bags, demonstrating a successful fusion of contemporary fashion and traditional Tunisian DNA.

My bags, my clutches and my baskets break with the muffled and stuffy style. I try to offer creations that embrace the times without denying our traditional DNA and our origins. It is perfectly possible to achieve a marriage between trend and tradition. It's all a matter of good taste and choice of themes.

โ€” Ameni Ben ArbiaDiscussing her approach to designing modern bags that incorporate traditional elements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.