# Carthage Theatre Days

The Carthage Theatre Days, a theatre festival founded in 1983, hold their 27th edition in Tunis from 21 to 28 November 2026. The official competition brings together new Tunisian, Arab and African productions, surtitled in French and English. The programme of shows has not yet been published.

Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/events/journees-theatrales-carthage-2026/

The Carthage Theatre Days (JTC, Journées théâtrales de Carthage) are Tunisia's main theatre festival: a week of Tunisian, Arab and African shows in Tunis. The 27th edition is scheduled from Saturday 21 to Saturday 28 November 2026, on dates announced by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in May 2026. The festival will publish its programme before opening night.

## A festival born in 1983

The JTC were founded in 1983, following on from the Carthage Film Festival, created in 1966. Actor and director Moncef Souissi, then head of the Tunisian National Theatre, is credited as the founder; the National Theatre organised the festival from its creation until 2009. For a long time it was biennial, alternating with the film festival; it is now held every year in November, and the 26th edition was scheduled for 22 to 29 November 2025. The top prize is the Tanit d'or, named after the goddess of Carthage.

## What you see at the JTC

The official competition shows recent work: for 2026, entries had to have been produced after 31 August 2025, and applications closed on 31 July 2026. Each selected company performs twice on the same day, which gives two chances to catch each play.

For European visitors, one point matters: selected companies must surtitle their shows in French and English. A play performed in Tunisian Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic or an African language therefore remains accessible.

## Coming to Tunis for the festival

**The city.** The festival takes place in Tunis, a few kilometres from Tunis-Carthage Airport. In late November average highs are around 21°C, a good season to visit the medina, the Bardo Museum and the Roman towns as well, all covered on our [Tunis and the Roman sites](/en/tunisia/tunis/) page.

**Time zone.** Tunisia is on UTC+1 all year round: in late November, it is 1 hour ahead of London.

**Where to stay.** The three medina houses chosen by Sabaro are closest to the centre: [Dar El Jeld](/en/hotels/dar-el-jeld/), [Palais Bayram](/en/hotels/palais-bayram/) and [Dar Ben Gacem](/en/hotels/dar-ben-gacem/). On the coast, about twenty minutes away, [The Residence Tunis](/en/hotels/the-residence-tunis/) and the [Four Seasons Hotel Tunis](/en/hotels/four-seasons-tunis/) offer spa and thalasso outside the beach season.

**Safety.** Traffic bans or curfews can affect central Tunis. Foreign ministries do not all give the same advice. Your country's advice:

(Depends on the traveller's country: see the table on https://sabaro-travel.com/en/events/journees-theatrales-carthage-2026/)

Our [safety in Tunisia](/en/guides/securite-tunisie/) guide has the details.

Three weeks later, from 12 to 19 December 2026, the [Carthage Film Festival](/en/events/journees-cinematographiques-carthage-2026/) takes over.

## Frequently asked questions

### When are the 2026 Carthage Theatre Days?

From 21 to 28 November 2026, in Tunis. It is the 27th edition.

### Can you follow the plays without speaking Arabic?

Yes, in the official competition: selected companies must surtitle their shows in French and English.

### Is the programme out yet?

Not yet. Applications closed on 31 July 2026, and the festival announces its selection before opening night.