Harissa festival celebrates Tunisia’s iconic chili paste

In Nabeul, Tunisia’s harissa festival draws locals and global visitors to celebrate the spicy, brick-red chili paste central to Tunisian cuisine, Assoicated Press reports. Made from sun-dried red peppers blended with garlic, vinegar, and spices, harissa is a staple in homes and restaurants across North Africa and beyond.

"Harissa is a love story," said Chahida Boufayed, a local chef and festival participant. Surrounded by strings of peppers, she showcased her homemade recipe, blending traditional techniques with her own spice variations.

Nabeul is the largest city in Tunisia’s harissa producing region of Cap Bon. The festival has grown in prominence since UNESCO added harissa to its intangible cultural heritage list in 2022, recognizing it as an integral part of Tunisian culinary traditions. Variants on display featured cumin, coriander, and smoked peppers, offering flavors from tangy to fiery.

Already popular in France and North Africa, harissa is gaining international recognition as a versatile condiment, bringing Tunisia’s rich culinary heritage to a global stage.