Painting, bristle figurine, and art performances like regional operas and acrobatics are just some of the highlights at the Chinese Arts Festival currently being held in Tunisia. The event held at Sfax, the second largest city of Tunisia, gives locals a taste of Chinese culture.

Tunisia gets a taste of Chinese culture

The Chinese Arts Festival is the result of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. Members of the forum, established in 2004, include China and 22 Arab countries. Cultural exchange events have been part of visions of the forum since its inception.

To date, three sessions of Arabian Art Festivals have been held in China, two Chinese Arts Festivals have been held in Damascus, Syria and Manama, the capital of Bahrain. The festival gives locals a glimpse into the traditional and contemporary cultures of the oriental countries.

“China and Africa countries have had very sturdy friendships. The Chinese Arts Festival is a stage for both sides to communicate and deepen their understandings of each other. All these help push forward the development of both sides,” said Zhang Heping, director of Beijing Assoc. of Lit & Arts Circles.

“China has a long-standing history and profound culture traditions. So this is an important opportunity for Tunisian people to learn about them,” said Rida Samet, former China-Tunisia Friendship Assoc.

Co-organized by China’s Ministry of Culture, Beijing’s Association of Literature and Arts Circles, and Sichuan’s Provincial Cultural Bureau, the performances exhibit a strong regional flavor from China’s Sichuan Province. Sichuan’s regional opera, including the exotic face-changing performance and breathtaking acrobatics, were among the highlights. The festival will run for five days until Sunday.