On July 25, Tunisia celebrates a major national holiday, Republic Day. We are delighted to congratulate all the residents of this country on this important day, which is truly meaningful for Tunisians… But what exactly does it mean?
Let’s ask someone who has lived in Tunisia for many years, the Head of the Carthage Group’s Excursion Service Department, Alex Peremot.
What does Republic Day in Tunisia signify? What is the meaning of this holiday?
On July 25, 1957, the Republic of Tunisia was proclaimed, marking the establishment of the modern independent state. From 1881 to 1956, Tunisia was a French protectorate. While it had its own coat of arms, anthem, currency, and postage stamps, the power in the country belonged to Tunisians only nominally.
The French Protectorate – how do Tunisians view this period in their history in a nutshell?
Everyone has their own perspective on this issue. Some emphasize the development of agriculture, extensive electrification, the introduction of railways, and the organization of street lighting. Others focus on the exploitation of cheap labor and the lack of respect for the local population. This is natural, as it is difficult to pass objective judgments on almost any historical event.
The first president of the Republic of Tunisia was Habib Bourguiba, a national leader who governed the country for 30 years. How is his legacy viewed in Tunisia today, and what are people grateful to him for?
Habib Bourguiba is almost a mythological figure for the younger generation of Tunisians. He led the country until 1987 and passed away in 2000, so he is well-remembered only by those of a certain age.
The first president is credited with numerous economic and social transformations, reforms in education and healthcare, and democratic changes in the social structure, including the equalization of rights between men and women. People still talk about him today, but Tunisia’s political system is such that the authorities do not seek to use Habib Bourguiba as a foundation or leverage over the people.
Is it true that Tunisian lovers visit Habib Bourguiba’s hometown of Monastir specifically to visit the Wassila café, where the first president and his wife used to go after a hard work day?
Yes, it is true. And not just lovers. For Tunisians, the café, which is named Wassila after Habib Bourguiba’s wife, is almost a sacred place. The father of the nation smoked hookah and had coffee here! Therefore, everyone feels it is their duty to visit the café at least once in their lifetime.
The café is a 5-minute walk from Habib Bourguiba’s residence in Skanes, the resort area of Monastir, where there is now a museum offering extensive insights into the life of this legendary public and political figure. The museum displays personal belongings and photographs, interior items, gifts, and a rare Grosser Mercedes 600 limousine in which the president traveled around the country. In 2013, the grand opening of the Monastir museum saw enormous queues and a real full house. Our tourists have the opportunity to visit this museum, as well as Habib Bourguiba’s mausoleum in the famous Sidi el-Mezri cemetery, as part of the Sousse-Monastir excursion.
The name of the first president is inextricably linked with the emergence of the independent Tunisian state and will forever remain in the country’s history. Learning more about this legendary figure is indeed fascinating. Another question, how widely is Republic Day celebrated in Tunisia?
It is an official public holiday, during which the current president delivers a congratulatory speech to the citizens and conducts a military or military-police parade.
People remember and celebrate this holiday, although it is not usually marked with particularly lavish festivities. However, on popular Mediterranean coastal resorts like Sousse and Hammamet, they might organize a costumed carnival for Republic Day. Creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere for both Tunisians and their guests is something they love and excel at.
