Ramadan in Tunisia 2026

[Heidi]

Jan 15, 2026​

Astronomically, Thursday 19 February 2026 Expected to Mark the Beginning of Ramadan in Tunisia​

By Yassine Atoui

15 January 2026

According to astronomical calculations and scientific data, Wednesday 18 February 2026 is expected to complete the month of Shaaban, making Thursday 19 February 2026 the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Tunisia.

Speaking on Mosaïque FM, Sarah Senoussi, Head of the Astronomy Department at the Cité des Sciences in Tunis, stated that all astronomical indicators point to this scenario. She explained that the lunar conjunction marking the beginning of Shaaban will occur on Sunday 18 January 2026, which means that, from an astronomical standpoint, Shaaban will start on Tuesday 20 January.

Consequently, Tuesday 17 February 2026 will correspond to the 29th day of Shaaban, the official night of observing the Ramadan crescent. Senoussi noted that the central conjunction between the Moon and the Sun will take place on that day at 1:00 p.m.

At sunset, scheduled for 6:02 p.m., the Moon will set at 6:09 p.m., remaining above the horizon for only seven minutes, with an altitude of just one degree. Such a low elevation, she explained, makes crescent visibility extremely difficult, as observation generally becomes possible when the Moon reaches at least eight degrees above the horizon.

Given the Moon’s age, position, and low altitude, observing the crescent—whether with the naked eye or with telescopes—will be highly unlikely. Based on these scientific parameters, 18 February is expected to complete Shaaban, while Thursday 19 February 2026 would astronomically mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

Sarah Senoussi nevertheless reminded that the official announcement of the start of lunar months and religious occasions in Tunisia remains the exclusive responsibility of the Office of the Mufti of the Republic.

Astronomically, Thursday 19 February 2026 Expected to Mark the Beginning of Ramadan in Tunisia

Astronomically, Thursday 19 February 2026 Expected to Mark the Beginning of Ramadan in Tunisia

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[Heidi]

Feb 15, 2026

“Ramadan Basket”: 80,000 Underprivileged and Low-Income Families to Benefit from the Program​

By Hamza

14 February 2026

On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan 2026, the various committees and regional unions affiliated with the Union tunisienne de solidarité sociale have begun preparing and packaging the “Ramadan baskets,” ahead of their distribution to eligible families at the start of the sacred month. The operation is being carried out under the supervision of the Ministère des Affaires sociales.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen solidarity and reinforce the values of mutual support that characterize Tunisian society during the fasting month. Efforts are being intensified to ensure that assistance reaches beneficiaries under the best possible conditions.

This year, 80,000 families across all governorates of the country will benefit from the “Ramadan basket.” The figure underscores the scale of the efforts undertaken to support vulnerable and low-income groups and to ease daily financial burdens during the blessed month.

“Ramadan Basket”: 80,000 Underprivileged and Low-Income Families to Benefit from the Program

“Ramadan Basket”: 80,000 Underprivileged and Low-Income Families to Benefit from the Program

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[Heidi]

Feb 15, 2026

After an absence of nearly 26 years : Ramadan returns to winter​

By Hamza

14 February 2026

​

The National Institute of Meteorology announced in a recent statement that the holy month of Ramadan for the year 2026 (1447 AH) will coincide this year with the winter season, marking its return to winter conditions after an absence of approximately twenty-six years.

According to astronomical records, the last time Tunisians observed the fasting month during winter dates back to 1999, specifically on December 9. Since then, the sacred month has gradually moved through the various seasons due to the difference between the lunar Hijri calendar and the solar Gregorian calendar.

This gap is estimated at around 11 days per year, causing Ramadan to shift earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. As a result, it cycles through all four seasons over a period of approximately 33 years. With the arrival of 1447 AH, Ramadan once again aligns with the winter season.

For many, Ramadan’s return to winter represents a distinctive moment in time, rekindling memories of past observances marked by longer nights and relatively shorter fasting hours, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. The cooler temperatures also lend a unique spiritual atmosphere to the blessed month.

After an absence of nearly 26 years : Ramadan returns to winter

After an absence of nearly 26 years: Ramadan returns to winter

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[Heidi]

Feb 15, 2026

Education Ministry adjusts school timetable for Ramadan​

By Hamza

13 February 2026

​

The Ministry of Education has introduced changes to the school timetable for Ramadan 2026, expected to fall on 18 or 19 February, by reducing class periods to 45 minutes, according to a circular sent to regional education delegates and school principals.

The circular sets out the Ramadan schedule: the morning session will run from 08:00 to 11:20, with a 10-minute break.

The afternoon session will run from 12:20 to 15:40, also with a 10-minute break.

In the same document, the Ministry stresses the need to fully maintain the official timetable allocated to end-of-term assessments, while avoiding scheduling these exams after 16:00. It also underlines the importance of aligning the content of other tests with the timetable in force during Ramadan.

Education Ministry adjusts school timetable for Ramadan

Education Ministry adjusts school timetable for Ramadan

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[Heidi]

Feb 18, 2026

Ramadan 2026 under health watch: Ministry of health Warns against common dietary mistakes​

By D .

18 February 2026



As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the Tunisian Ministry of Health has issued health guidelines urging citizens to adopt a safe and balanced fasting routine while warning against common dietary mistakes that may lead to fatigue, digestive disorders, and dehydration.

The ministry emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition, proper hydration, and healthy lifestyle habits throughout the holy month.

A smart suhoor for sustained energy​

Authorities recommend delaying suhoor to reduce hunger and thirst during the day. The meal should include complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, along with vegetables, fruits, and pasteurized dairy products.

Sugary, salty, and fatty foods should be limited, and stimulants such as caffeine should be reduced as they increase thirst.

Gradual iftar to protect digestion​

For iftar, the ministry advises breaking the fast with lukewarm liquids such as water or milk, along with a few dates or fruits, followed by a short pause before continuing the meal.

Overeating, fried foods, carbonated drinks, and combining multiple types of meat in one meal should be avoided. Eating slowly and chewing properly are strongly recommended.

Balanced evenings and adequate sleep​

During the evening, fruits and dairy products are preferable, while sugary desserts and fried foods should be minimized. Drinking sufficient water and engaging in light physical activity, such as walking two hours after iftar, are encouraged.

The ministry also recommends 7 to 8 hours of sleep to prevent exhaustion.

Ramadan 2026 under health watch: Ministry of health wWarns against common dietary mistakes

As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the Tunisian Ministry of Health has issued health guidelines urging citizens to adopt a safe and balanced fasting routine while warning against common dietary mistakes that may lead to fatigue, digestive disorders, and dehydration. The ministry emphasized the...

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[Heidi]

Feb 18, 2026

Breaking : Grand Mufti of the Republic Announces First Day of Ramadan​

​

By Hamza ​

​

17 February 2026​

The Grand Mufti of the Republic, Hichem Ben Mahmoud, has officially announced that the day after tomorrow, Thursday, will mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

Accordingly, tomorrow, Wednesday, will complete the month of Shaaban.

Breaking : Grand Mufti of the Republic Announces First Day of Ramadan

Breaking : Grand Mufti of the Republic Announces First Day of Ramadan

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[Heidi]

Feb 19, 2026

Béja : three cannon shots announce the entry of the holy month of Ramadan​

By hamza bin khelifa

19 February 2026

To the sound of three resounding detonations of the Ramadan canon, the city of Béja officially announced the entry of the holy month of Ramadan, in a festive atmosphere reflecting the attachment of the inhabitants to an ancestral tradition transmitted from generation to generation.

The municipality of Béja, like several regions of the country, perpetuates this symbolic ritual on the occasion of the advent of the blessed month. Three cannon shots are thus fired in an atmosphere imbued with joy and joy, celebrating the arrival of the month of fasting, according to the correspondent of Tunisia Numérique in Béja.

The tradition of the “canon of Ramadan” is one of the ancient customs deeply rooted in the collective memory of Tunisians.

Over the years, his impact has become inseparable from the beginning of the month of mercy and forgiveness, constituting a distinctive marker that gives the event a particular dimension, mixing the fragrance of the past with the fervor of the present.

The canon of Ramadan thus remains a strong symbol of attachment to heritage, helping to strengthen the festive atmosphere that envelops the city on the occasion of this blessed month.

View: https://youtu.be/xICkICdxLHs

Béja : trois coups de canon annoncent l’entrée du mois sacré de Ramadan [Vidéo]

Béja : trois coups de canon annoncent l’entrée du mois sacré de Ramadan [Vidéo]

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[Heidi]

Feb 28, 2026

Ben Arous marks Ramadan nights with over 100 cultural events​

By D .

27 February 2026

The governorate of Ben Arous is hosting an extensive cultural program for Ramadan from February 21 to March 17, 2026, organized by the Regional Delegation for Cultural Affairs.

The schedule features 12 major events encompassing a total of 105 cultural activities across the region’s districts. These include 42 musical performances, among them 15 Sufi concerts with a spiritual dimension, in addition to 6 theater productions, 5 film screenings, and 9 lectures and intellectual gatherings.

The program also offers 6 art exhibitions, street performances, public square entertainment, solidarity evenings in collaboration with civil society organizations, as well as workshops and competitions targeting various age groups.

Approximately 40 cultural, educational, and youth venues are hosting the events, including cultural centers, public libraries, municipal halls, universities, a vocational training center, a historic landmark, and several cultural cafés.

Through this diverse lineup, Ben Arous aims to energize the local cultural scene and provide residents with a balanced mix of spirituality, entertainment, and intellectual engagement during the holy month.

Ben Arous marks Ramadan nights with over 100 cultural events

The governorate of Ben Arous is hosting an extensive cultural program for Ramadan from February 21 to March 17, 2026, organized by the Regional Delegation for Cultural Affairs. The schedule features 12 major events encompassing a total of 105 cultural activities across the region’s districts...

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[Heidi]

March 12, 2026

Tunisia: 32 Shops Closed During Ramadan as Food Safety Controls Intensify Ahead of Eid​

By Yassine Atoui

12 March 2026

Food safety inspections across Tunisia have intensified during the holy month of Ramadan, as authorities step up efforts to ensure the quality and safety of food products sold to consumers.

In a statement to Tunisie Numérique on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Mohamed Rabhi, President of the National Authority for Food Safety (INSSPA), confirmed that the authority is continuing to implement its special inspection program prepared for Ramadan.

Rabhi explained that the monitoring campaign began nearly a month before the start of Ramadan and has been significantly intensified during the fasting month, a period marked by increased food consumption.

More than 7,500 inspection visits​

According to Rabhi, the inspections are carried out by specialized teams from the authority, sometimes in cooperation with security services. The monitoring operations cover all regions of the country, with approximately 95 mobile inspection teams deployed daily, coming from regional offices and the central administration.

Since the launch of the campaign, more than 7,500 official inspection visits have been conducted, leading to a number of enforcement measures due to detected violations.

32 shops closed and over 200 tons of food seized​

Rabhi revealed that 32 businesses open to the public have been shut down for failing to meet health and safety requirements.

In addition, authorities issued more than 450 written warnings to shop owners found violating regulations, granting them deadlines to correct the irregularities.

Inspection teams also issued over 200 legal reports, including seizure records and health violation reports. In total, more than 200 tons of food products unfit for consumption were confiscated, covering a wide range of goods.

Focus on pastry shops ahead of Eid​

Rabhi added that the second phase of the Ramadan inspection program will focus particularly on pastry production and sales shops, which experience a surge in demand as Eid al-Fitr approaches.

Since the 16th day of Ramadan, these establishments have been placed under close monitoring and intensified inspections to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Warning against parallel markets​

The head of the National Authority for Food Safety also urged consumers to avoid purchasing Eid pastries from informal or parallel markets, which often escape official inspections.

Such products, he warned, may pose health risks to consumers, as they are produced and sold outside regulated environments.

Tunisia: 32 Shops Closed During Ramadan as Food Safety Controls Intensify Ahead of Eid [Video]

Tunisia: 32 Shops Closed During Ramadan as Food Safety Controls Intensify Ahead of Eid [Video]

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[Heidi]

March 12, 2026

Tunisia : Observation of the Eid al-Fitr Crescent Expected on March 19 After Sunset​

By Hamza

11 March 2026



The National Institute of Meteorology announced that the observation of the crescent moon marking Eid al-Fitr for the year 1447 AH in Tunisia will take place after sunset on Thursday, the 29th of Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to March 19, 2026.

According to astronomical calculations, the conjunction between the Sun and the Moon will occur on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 14:23.

This conjunction will take place one day before the spring equinox, scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, marking the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Eid crescent will remain visible in the western horizon of the Tunisian sky after sunset on Thursday, March 19, for a period ranging between 39 and 43 minutes before it sets.

Based on astronomical calculations carried out by the National Institute of Meteorology, the crescent moon may be observed after sunset on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in several significant regions of the world, including some Arab and Muslim countries, notably Tunisia, where all the necessary conditions for observing the crescent are met.

Astronomical calculations also indicate that the first possible sighting of the crescent worldwide will occur on Thursday, March 19, 2026, starting at 16:26 Tunis time, from western Russia, Turkey, the central Arabian Peninsula, and Ethiopia. The visibility zone will then gradually expand westward, increasing the areas of the world where the crescent may be observed.

Note: The only official authority authorized to announce the beginning of lunar months in Tunisia is the Mufti of the Republic, through the Office of the Mufti of the Tunisian Republic.

Any announcement made outside this framework is considered likely to create confusion and disrupt the proper conduct of the process.

Tunisia : Observation of the Eid al-Fitr Crescent Expected on March 19 After Sunset

Tunisia : Observation of the Eid al-Fitr Crescent Expected on March 19 After Sunset

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[Heidi]

March 15, 2026

Kairouan : Exceptional Traffic Measures for the Night of the 27th of Ramadan​

By Hamza

14 March 2026



The Traffic Police Department under the Regional Directorate of the National Security in Kairouan has announced a series of exceptional traffic measures on the occasion of Laylat al-Qadr, scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026. This event usually attracts a large number of visitors to the city of Kairouan.

Traffic authorities have called on all road users to exercise caution while driving, respect traffic signs, avoid speeding, give priority where required, and keep to the right lane. They also stressed the prohibition of transporting passengers using unauthorized means, as well as the ban on heavy trucks and vehicles carrying hazardous materials from entering the city center.

It has also been decided to prohibit parking and stopping in several streets of the city starting from 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, until 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. This measure notably concerns Imam Sahnoun Avenue, Aïcha Oum Al-Mouminine Avenue, Cordoba Avenue, and Assad Ibn Al-Furat Avenue.

Parking will also be prohibited around the Great Mosque of Oqba Ibn Nafi and the Mausoleum of Abu Zamaa Al-Balawi. In addition, traffic will be restricted on certain streets during the same period, including Aïcha Oum Al-Mouminine Avenue, Ali Belhouane Avenue, and Assad Ibn Al-Furat Avenue.

As part of organizing visitor flows, designated parking areas have been allocated for buses arriving in Kairouan. The Sidi Youssef Ed-Dahmani parking area will be reserved for buses coming from Tunis and the Cap Bon region, while the parking area located behind the Aziz Milad Hall, opposite the semolina factory, will accommodate buses arriving from coastal cities.

The Regional Directorate of National Security in Kairouan confirmed that all human and logistical resources have been mobilized to ensure the safety of road users and guide visitors, calling on the public to comply with the adopted measures. In case of necessity, citizens can contact the following numbers: National Security (197), National Guard (193), and Civil Protection (198).

Kairouan : Exceptional Traffic Measures for the Night of the 27th of Ramadan

Kairouan : Exceptional Traffic Measures for the Night of the 27th of Ramadan

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[Heidi]

March 18, 2026

Nearly 18,300 Economic Offenses Recorded Since the Start of Ramadan​

By Hamza

17 March 2026



Interventions by economic control teams across all governorates of the Republic from the 1st to the 26th of Ramadan have led to the detection of 18,298 economic violations following 94,045 inspections, representing a 9.6% increase compared to the same period during last year’s Ramadan (16,691 violations), according to a statement released this Tuesday by the Ministry of Commerce and Export Development.

According to the same statement, the violations include 9,034 cases related to transaction transparency, 6,252 violations involving price hikes and speculative practices, and 244 violations concerning subsidy manipulation. Additionally, 2,787 other violations were recorded in the fields of quality, metrology, and other sectors.

By sector, these violations are distributed as follows: 8,553 violations in fresh agricultural and fishery products, 5,515 violations in general foodstuffs, 2,070 violations in bakeries, restaurants, and cafés, and 2,160 violations in various industrial products.

Control operations also led to the seizure of significant quantities of consumer goods, including 432 tons of subsidized cereal products, 25 tons of vegetables and fruits, including 5.6 tons of bananas, 106,000 eggs, 13.5 tons of poultry, fish, and red meats, 19,483 liters of subsidized vegetable oil, 565 liters of milk, 27 tons of sugar, 27 tons of animal feed, 60 tons of chemical fertilizers, and 28,001 packs of tobacco.

The statement also mentioned that the ministry received 313 complaints via the green hotline, most of which were related to price increases on essential products, particularly poultry. It was noted that 70% of these complaints have already been addressed. The number of complaints received via the green hotline also saw an increase of approximately 13% compared to 2025 (166 complaints).

Nearly 18,300 Economic Offenses Recorded Since the Start of Ramadan

Nearly 18,300 Economic Offenses Recorded Since the Start of Ramadan

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[Heidi]

March 18, 2026

Laylat al-Qadr: Why its date remains unknown, and why the search continues after the 27th night​

By D .

17 March 2026


As the 27th night of Ramadan—widely considered by many scholars as the most likely night for Laylat al-Qadr, has passed, an important question remains: should believers continue searching for it?

According to Sheikh Abdelhafidh Al Kadri, while the 27th night is often favored, the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr has never been definitively established.

He explained that this uncertainty is intentional, as it encourages Muslims to increase their devotion throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan, rather than focusing on a single night.

Based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, believers are encouraged to seek Laylat al-Qadr during the odd nights of the final ten days: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights.

This means that even after the 27th night, the spiritual opportunity remains open. Muslims are urged to continue their prayers, supplications, and good deeds in the hope of witnessing this blessed night, which is described as better than a thousand months.

Ultimately, Laylat al-Qadr represents a journey of faith, perseverance, and devotion, where any of the remaining nights may hold immense blessings and forgiveness.

Laylat al-Qadr: Why its date remains unknown, and why the search continues after the 27th night [Video]

As the 27th night of Ramadan—widely considered by many scholars as the most likely night for Laylat al-Qadr, has passed, an important question remains: should believers continue searching for it? According to Sheikh Abdelhafidh Al Kadri, while the 27th night is often favored, the exact date of...

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[Heidi]

Ramadan 2026 : More Than 402 Tonnes of Unfit Food Products Seized ​

By Hamza

22 March 2026

The National Food Safety Authority announced on Sunday the seizure and destruction of more than 402 tonnes of food products deemed unfit for consumption, along with a proposal to close 64 businesses that failed to meet health and safety requirements, according to the results of its special inspection programme carried out during Ramadan 1447 AH / 2026.

In a statement, the Authority said its teams had conducted 13,173 inspection operations since the beginning of Ramadan, with an average of 105 inspection teams deployed daily. These operations targeted 10,572 establishments operating in the food sector and were accompanied by 144 laboratory analyses aimed at verifying the safety compliance of suspected products.

The operations resulted in 346 seizures, while 350 cases required the drafting of investigation reports. In addition, 744 written warnings were issued to offenders. The businesses proposed for closure are spread across 21 governorates and mainly include bakeries, general food retail shops, pastry and confectionery outlets, as well as poultry and meat sales points.

Processed fruits and vegetables accounted for the largest share of seized goods, representing 51.5% of the total, followed by dried fruits at 10.1% and fresh fruits and vegetables at 10%. The seizures also included milk and dairy products (4.9%), fish and seafood products (4.6%), as well as varying quantities of spices, meat, cereals and raw materials used in pastry production.

According to the Authority’s statement, the main reasons for seizure and destruction were expired products (40.3%), changes in product characteristics, spoilage, the presence of mould or unpleasant odours (23.4%), as well as the presence of insects or traces of rodents (22.4%). Other violations included storage in unsanitary conditions, the absence of labelling or health certification, and failure to comply with transport and refrigeration requirements.

Ramadan 2026 : More Than 402 Tonnes of Unfit Food Products Seized

Ramadan 2026 : More Than 402 Tonnes of Unfit Food Products Seized

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[Heidi]

Tunisia Officially Announces Friday, March 20 as the First Day of Eid al-Fitr​

By Mohsen Tiss

19 March 2026



The Mufti of the Tunisian Republic has announced the results of the crescent moon sighting for Eid al-Fitr, confirming that the holiday will be officially celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026.

This date also coincides with the 70th anniversary of Tunisia’s Independence Day.

Tunisia Officially Announces Friday, March 20 as the First Day of Eid al-Fitr

The Mufti of the Tunisian Republic has announced the results of the crescent moon sighting for Eid al-Fitr, confirming that the holiday will be officially celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026. This date also coincides with the 70th anniversary of Tunisia’s Independence Day. Subscribe to Tunisie...

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