An annual celebratory and cultural event organized during summer on 24 July in Sousse, Tunisia.

Parading carnival wagons to attract the attention of the public to keep watching the carnival, such as, Aouessou wagon which carries the “God of the Sea” in a simulation of a historical myth, and a brass band, a dancer, folk bands and gigantic dolls from Tunisia and other countries. Near the beach, mainly in Habib Bourguiba Street and Abu Jaafar corniche.

Aoussou is a term that defines the heat wave of August according to the barbaric calendar.

Originally, it is an ancient carnival celebrating the God of the Sea,, Neptune in the Roman era, which dates back to the Phoenicians. This custom has shifted over time andbecame, nowadays, related to a national memory which is the proclamation of the Republic of Tunisia on 25 July 1957.

The carnival is organized by the “Aouessou Carnival Association” and it was initiated in 1958.

It is usually accompanied by a show of fireworkson the night of July 25th , the Republic Day. Thanks to the diversity of shows and celebrations this period is characterized by a lot of movement.

Thousands of touristscome to Sousse from all over the world to spend their holidays and enjoy the nice weather and the beach

Aouessou carnival is considered to be the first carnival in Africa and the Arab world and it includes the participation of several Arabic and European countries whether through their bands, paintings or tourists.