The town of Djebba, in the Béja governorate in north-west Tunisia, has been bathed in a festive atmosphere ever since it hosted the annual fig festival (Elkarmous). Over the years, this event has developed into a major celebration of the region’s produce and traditional products, attracting visitors from both home and abroad.
Known as the fig-growing capital of Tunisia, Djebba benefits from fertile soil and a suitable climate, enabling it to produce high-quality varieties that are appreciated on local and international markets.
In addition to fresh figs, the town is famous for “Shariha”, a traditional dried fig that is a staple food. The fruit’s local name, “Karmous”, has its roots in ancient Latin, underlining the product’s deep cultural heritage.
Figs are a growing economic resource for Tunisia. The country exports around 7,000 tonnes of fresh and dried figs every year, generating over 20 million Tunisian dinars (around $6 million). The development of products such as jams should strengthen the industry’s global presence.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Editorial Staff)
