Fifteen years after the first spark of the Revolution of Freedom and Dignity was ignited, Sidi Bouzid plunges back into its collective memory. From December 16, the governorate lives to the rhythm of a dense commemorative program, combining culture, reflection, sport and entertainment, deployed in public squares, youth and cultural centers, as well as in schools and universities.
Placed under the slogan “December 17… the voice of freedom”, the new edition of the International Festival of December 17, 2010 aims to recall the symbolic significance of this founding date while opening spaces for debate on its political, economic and social implications. The festivities begin on December 16 with the entertainment of the place of the martyr Mohamed Bouazizi, an emblematic place of the revolution.
The day of December 17 will be marked by highly symbolic moments, with the raising of the colors and the firing of 17 shots in tribute to the event. The program also includes an engaging concert on Bouazizi Square performed by the Friends of Cheikh Imam de Tajerouine troupe, a special “December 17” edition of the basketball tournament, as well as a concert by rapper Sanfara at the Sidi Bouzid open-air theater.
The economic and artistic component continues on December 18 with the organization of a conference devoted to blocked projects in the region, at the December 17 youth complex. The same day will be punctuated by an international concert by the Algerian artist Bilal Takschini and by several cultural activities in primary schools.
On December 19, an intellectual conference entitled “The revolution between dreams and achievements” will bring together researchers and civil society actors at the youth complex. The evening will end with a show by the artist Ghazi Ayadi at the open-air theater, alongside activities in educational establishments, childhood centers, retirement homes and university institutions, without forgetting the “December 17 Cup” football tournament.
For its part, the Cultural Association of December 17 in Sidi Bouzid offers a series of meetings focused on the socio-economic reality of the region. A first conference, scheduled for December 16, is entitled “Sidi Bouzid through the figures: human development indicators reveal the reality”. A second, scheduled for December 17, will focus on “Sidi Bouzid, from the spark of the revolution to the challenges of development”. These meetings will be accompanied by fun activities for children and a cultural exhibition dedicated to regional archaeological heritage, organized on Place de la Terre in Sidi Bouzid.
Theatrical days in Sidi Bouzid
In Meknassi, the house of culture and the childhood complex have developed a specific program under the slogan “Through civic behavior, I protect my homeland”. It includes popular entertainment, a tribute to the national flag in collaboration with Tunisian scouts, a photographic exhibition on the revolution of December 17, 2010, as well as writing, drawing, mural and photography workshops, in addition to sports demonstrations and musical performances.
In Sidi Ali Ben Aoun, the cultural complex and the association of its friends are organizing on December 16 and 17 the fifth edition of the Arabic calligraphy and mosaic event “Tajalliyat Al Athar”. The event features exhibitions of calligraphy, gold calligraphy and mosaics, as well as workshops in engraving, polishing and artistic writing.
Furthermore, the “Winter theater days in Sidi Bouzid” initiative, launched by the Abou Bakr Al Gammoudi cultural complex, started on December 14 and continues until the 19th of the month. In Bir El Hafey, the Abdelkader Ben Haj Nasr cultural complex is organizing the Revolutionary Movement Festival on December 18, with the program a documentary exhibition on the revolution, scout activities, plastic arts, crafts, puppet theater and digital culture workshops.
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