Although the government has officially granted two days off on the occasion of Eid – Friday June 6 and Saturday, June 7 -, the streets of Tunis began to empty well before. As of this Thursday morning, the capital observed surprisingly fluid circulation, far from the usual bustle.
Since Wednesday afternoon, the bus stations, the rented stations and the rail stations have been taken by storm. The Tunisians, anticipating the leave, began to flock massively to their original regions to celebrate the family party. A well -anchored habit, which transforms each Eid daytime into a real national transhumance.
In some districts of Tunis, many businesses even dropped their curtains on Thursday noon, suggesting a long holiday weekend extended over four days for those who were able to be away earlier.
In transport stations, the atmosphere is both feverish and joyful. Suitcases in hand, families and students flock to catch a place towards Sfax, Kairouan, Gafsa or the Sahel. Despite the reinforcements announced in the public transport lines, many travelers had to wait long hours to board.
This massive departure gives the party an air of already there. Even if the official dates are only for Friday and Saturday, for a large part of the Tunisians, Eid has already started – with its share of reunion, travel and family preparations.
