A Celebration of Global Culture on Tunisia’s Mediterranean Coast
Every summer, as the sun dips behind the palm-lined shores of Tunisia’s Cap Bon peninsula, something magical happens in the coastal town of Hammamet. The ancient stone walls of Dar Sebastian, a former villa transformed into a cultural centre, resonate with music, poetry, dance, and celebration. Welcome to the Hammamet International Festival, one of North Africa’s most iconic summer festivals. In 2025, it promises to be bigger and bolder than ever.
Table Of Content
- A Festival Rooted in Culture and History
- Hammamet International Festival 2025 Program Highlights
- Full Program: July 11 – August 13, 2025
- The Atmosphere in Hammamet During Festival Season
- Tickets, Travel Tips & Where to Stay
- How to Buy Tickets?
- Where to Stay?
- 🛫 How to Get There
- Why You Should Visit the Hammamet Festival in 2025
- (FAQ) – Hammamet International Festival 2025
- What are the festival dates for 2025?
- How many countries are represented this year?
- Are there Tunisian artists in the lineup?
- Who are the international headliners for 2025?
- Where is the festival held?
- What else can I do in Hammamet during the day?
A Festival Rooted in Culture and History
The Hammamet International Festival dates back to 1964, making it one of the oldest arts festivals in the region. It was founded with the vision of bridging Tunisian, Mediterranean, and global cultures through live performance. The heart of the festival is the Centre Cultural International de Hammamet, nestled in the lush gardens of Dar Sebastian, a grand villa once owned by Romanian millionaire George Sebastian.
Winston Churchill once called it “the most beautiful house I’ve ever seen.” Today, this stunning open-air amphitheatre with a 1,000-seat capacity offers a uniquely intimate and scenic backdrop for performances that range from classical music to experimental theatre.
Over the decades, the festival has welcomed legends like:
Miriam Makeba
Nina Simone
Gilberto Gil
Joan Baez
Charles Aznavour
Fairouz
Miles Davis
Cheb Khaled
Youssou N’Dour
It’s a place where stars shine under the stars and where tradition meets innovation.
Hammamet International Festival 2025 Program Highlights
This year’s 59th edition (running July 11 – August 13, 2025) features 35 diverse performances from over 15 countries, with the theme “Continuous Vibrations.” Expect a spectacular blend of:
Tunisian heritage acts
Arabic and African rhythms
Latin, jazz, flamenco, and global pop
Contemporary dance and experimental theatre
Full Program: July 11 – August 13, 2025
Below is the full 2025 lineup, offering a magical nightly journey through 36 performances over 33 evenings, celebrating cultures from 15 countries:
| Date | Show / Artist(s) | Country / Genre |
|---|---|---|
| July 11 | Ragouj – The Show (Abdelhamid & Hamza Bouchnak) | Tunisia – Musical, tribute to rapper Kafon |
| July 12 | Night of the Maestros – Tunisian Symphony Orchestra | Tunisia – Symphonic concert |
| July 13 | Hind Ennaira (Morocco) & Djazia Satour (Algeria) | Gnawa, fusion, jazz |
| July 14 | Naïka | Haiti/France – Caribbean-inspired pop |
| July 15 | RUST (Syria/Lebanon) & Alsarah & The Nubatones (Sudan) | Electro‑folk, Nubian rhythms |
| July 16 | Mother of Nations – Hafedh Khalifa | Tunisia – Historical musical theatre |
| July 17 | Jathb & Soudeni | Tunisia – Contemporary performance |
| July 18 | Ad Vitam – Leila Toubel | Tunisia – Solo theatrical piece |
| July 19 | Yuri Buenaventura | Colombia – Salsa & jazz fusion |
| July 20 | Noël Kharman | Palestine – Folk/Arabic music |
| July 21 | Sinouj – Odyssey (Benjemy) | Tunisia – Electro/world collaboration |
| July 22 | Dialogue of Strings 2 – Kamel Ferjani | Tunisia – East-meets‑West musical fusion |
| July 23 | Addict Ameba | Italy – Experimental instrumental |
| July 24 | Siilawy | Jordan – Pop/world fusion |
| July 25 | 24 Perfumes – The Symphonic Stars – Mohamed Ali Kammoun | Tunisia – Symphonic heritage-modern blend |
| July 26 | Wael Jassar | Lebanon – Romantic Arabic ballads |
| July 27 | Nass El Ghiwane | Morocco – Legendary folk/chaabi group |
| July 28 | The Lady of Kerkouane (Wajdi Gaidi & Houssem Sahli) | Tunisia – Theatre rooted in Carthaginian history |
| July 29 | Al Shami | Syria – Traditional Levantine song |
| July 30 | Las Migas | Spain – All-female flamenco ensemble |
| July 31 | Lotfi Bouchnak | Tunisia – Master of classical Arabic vocals |
| Aug 1 | Habit Zamani – Ghazi Ayadi | Tunisia – Modern-classical fusion |
| Aug 2 | Saber Rebai | Tunisia – Arabic pop legend |
| Aug 3 | Robyn Bennett | USA/France – Jazz/world fusion |
| Aug 4 | Balti | Tunisia – Rap/pop star |
| Aug 5 | Koum Tara (Algeria/France) | Sufi-jazz hybrid |
| Aug 6 | Arboune – Imed Jemaa | Tunisia – Contemporary dance-drama |
| Aug 8 | Cheb Mami | Algeria – Iconic raï vocalist |
| Aug 9 | Symphonica – French Hits Special (Zeineb Oueslati & Philippe Cavaillé) | Tunisia/France – French chanson tribute |
| Aug 10 | Au Violon – Fadhel Jaziri | Tunisia – Musical exploration of heritage |
| Aug 11 | Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba | Mali – Ngoni blues & roots |
| Aug 12 | Osool – Yacine Boularès | Tunisia/France – Jazz-African-Arabic fusion |
| Aug 13 | Nabiha Karaouli (Closing – Women’s Tribute) | Tunisia – Celebrating Tunisian women |
The Atmosphere in Hammamet During Festival Season
When the Hammamet Festival is in full swing, the town transforms. Cafés buzz with conversation, art spills into the streets, and both locals and tourists mingle at twilight. The festival begins each night around 10 PM, but the energy lasts well into the early hours.
By day, visitors can:
Wander the whitewashed Medina
Lounge on sandy beaches
Visit the ancient Kasbah for sweeping sea views
Enjoy local cuisine, fresh seafood, Brik, couscous, and mint tea
Tickets, Travel Tips & Where to Stay
How to Buy Tickets?
Tickets are available online only
Prices range from 30 TND to 60 TND, depending on the show
Visit the official website: festivaldehammamet.tn
Where to Stay?
Best areas for festivalgoers:
Hammamet North (close to the medina and Dar Sebastian)
Yasmine Hammamet (more resorts, beach clubs, and family-friendly)
Recommended stays:
La Badira Hotel – Adults-only luxury near the venue
Hotel Bel Azur – Beachfront with panoramic views
The Orangers Garden Villas & Bungalows – All-inclusive relaxation
🛫 How to Get There
Closest airport: Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN)
Distance: ~1-hour drive from Tunis
Local transport: Taxis, shared louages, or car rentals
Why You Should Visit the Hammamet Festival in 2025
This isn’t just a music festival. It’s a cultural celebration that speaks to Tunisia’s spirit — cosmopolitan, resilient, artistic, and proud. For travellers seeking something deeper than a beach holiday, the Hammamet International Festival offers a chance to:
See world-class performances in a historic Mediterranean setting
Discover emerging artists from Africa and the Arab world
Explore Tunisia’s rich heritage and vibrant creative scene
Connect with locals and like-minded global citizens
The Hammamet International Festival 2025 is more than a series of nighttime shows; it’s a cultural odyssey. Anchored in the legacy of Dar Sebastian and carrying Tunisia’s artistic heartbeat onto the global stage, this festival offers an immersive summer filled with memorable performances and cross-cultural exchange.
(FAQ) – Hammamet International Festival 2025
What are the festival dates for 2025?
The Hammamet International Festival runs from July 11 to August 13, 2025, with 36 shows scheduled over 33 nights.
How many countries are represented this year?
This year’s edition features artists and performers from over 15 countries, offering a vibrant celebration of global diversity through music, theatre, dance, and symphonic performances.
Are there Tunisian artists in the lineup?
Absolutely. The festival is proud to showcase 18 Tunisian productions, including classical orchestras, contemporary theatre, musical storytelling, and modern pop icons such as:
Lotfi Bouchnak
Saber Rebai
Balti
Hafedh Khalifa
Mohamed Ali Kammoun
Who are the international headliners for 2025?
Among the international stars performing this year are:
Cheb Mami (Algeria – Raï legend)
Yuri Buenaventura (Colombia – Salsa maestro)
Bassekou Kouyaté (Mali – Ngoni blues pioneer)
Las Migas (Spain – Female flamenco fusion)
Robyn Bennett (USA/France – Jazz vocals)
Where is the festival held?
The festival takes place at the Dar Sebastian Cultural Centre in Hammamet, Tunisia, a historic villa turned open-air amphitheatre, renowned for its stunning Mediterranean gardens and coastal views.
What else can I do in Hammamet during the day?
Visit the historic Kasbah
Explore the whitewashed Medina
Relax on the sandy beaches
Try authentic Tunisian cuisine
Shop for ceramics and spices in the souks
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