Under a slogan filled with loyalty and cultural depth, "A Living Memory," the Hammamet International Festival has revealed the details of its 60th edition for 2026, running from July 11 to August 13. This new edition confirms that the festival's storied legacy does not remain in the past, but is renewed through creative encounters bringing art and audiences together. This year's program is extensive, featuring 32 artistic evenings that blend music, theatre, and choreography, with a clear commitment to Tunisian talent, as the festival continues to serve as an incubator for young and promising voices, giving them the chance to perform on this historic stage.
Opening Night: The Magic of Theatre and a Global Outlook
The festival opens on July 11 with the Tunisian theatrical production "The Escapees" (Les Fugitives), directed by Wafa Taboubi. The following evening, audiences will enjoy an exceptional performance by world-renowned musician Dhafer Youssef, one of Tunisia's most celebrated artists, who has achieved major international acclaim. The Tunisian imprint continues strongly through a series of innovative productions, including the orchestral performance by brothers Nour and Selim Arjoun, the choreographic piece "Labess" by Selim Ben Safia, the play "Nostalgica" directed by Mehdi Mlouhi, the project "Echo of the Atlas" by Otayel Maaoui, alongside "Houma" by Sirine Guenoun and "Rawdat Al-Ochaq" (Garden of Lovers) by Moez El Achouri.
A Cultural Bridge Linking East and West
This summer, the Hammamet stage becomes a meeting point for world cultures and diverse musical traditions, hosting a lineup of leading Arab and international names. From the Arab East and Palestine, the bill includes Adam, Joseph Attieh, Melhem Zein, and Yara, alongside a special evening by composer Marcel Khalife titled "A Song on My Mind," Palestinian creativity with artist Faraj Suleiman, and Moroccan popular music with diva Najat Aatabou. Among the legends of world music, Hammamet audiences will welcome African music icon Salif Keita (Mali), Italian soul and jazz star Mario Biondi, the acclaimed Turkish rock band "maNga" (Didoublouman), and artist Sandy Laty, in addition to the highly anticipated Latin performance by The Buena Vista Orchestra, coming from Cuba and the United States.
Closing Night: The Return of Sofia Sadok on Women's Day
In perfect harmony with national symbolism, the festival will close on August 13, coinciding with the celebration of Tunisian Women's National Day, as artist Sofia Sadok makes an eagerly awaited and renewed return to the Hammamet stage, concluding a 60th edition that skillfully balances contemporary creativity, renewal, and authenticity.
With this diverse program, the Hammamet International Festival reaffirms its place as one of the most prestigious cultural events in Tunisia and the Mediterranean, remaining a not-to-be-missed rendezvous for lovers of art, music, and theatre across all generations.
