"Achoura" is an annual religious festival, observed principally by Shiite Muslims, commemorating the assassination of Imam Houssein Ibn Ali Ibn Abi Taleb (grandson of the Prophet) by the Omeyades in the year 61 H (670 AD).

The faithful light large bonfires called “Houija” or “lahlouba” in every neighborhood. Children mock jumps into the fire, and dance around it to the sound of the “tabbal” drums. Fruit is bought as treats for the children, and charity is given to the poor. Small drums called “tar,” featuring melodious copper discs and covered by a stretched goat skin, decorated with drawings of animals, are also given as gifts to the children. On the even of Achoura, the day of Achoura itself, and on the 12th day of the festival, women do not do laundry or wear makeup. The only thing they allow themselves is a rim of Kohl around the eyes, to hide the trace of tears.

Achoura is a mostly-forgotten festival in Tunisia these days, perhaps because the event is closely connected to the Shiite persuasion, and most citizens are today Sunni Muslims. Now the assassination is commemorated mainly through the sacrifice of a sheep or a farm-raised rooster, “sardouk arbi,” cooked and served with couscous and raisins, “zebib,” followed by a dessert of sweet fritters or “mahkouka,” also known as “refissa,” semolina cakes stuffed with dates.

Mohamed Rebai
info@kairouan.org