The most prestigious Kairouanese festival is without a doubt the Ceremony of Mouled which celebrates the birth of the Prophet. This year it will be held on April 21 2005 912 rabia I – 1426 of the Hegira).

The Hegirian calendar was instituted by the 2nd Caliph Omar ten years after the emigration of the Prophet to Medina (Yathreb) which corresponds exactly with the date of July 16, 622 AD. The associated religious ceremonies customarily take place at the Grand Mosque and at the Mausoleum of Abi Zamaa Baloui, the companion of the Prophet. Both sites of worship are the scene of great crowds starting two days before Mouled.

Other festivals featuring culture and/or craftsmanship are also annual events. Among the most important are:

The National Kairouan Carpet Festival

(11th session Sept. 9-11, 2006)

The Spring Arts Festival

(12th session 15-19 April, 2006)