Wikipedia
Meknassy ( ), sometimes spelt Maknassy, is a town and commune in the Sidi Bou Zid Governorate, Tunisia. In 2004 it had a population of 13,742. It is in the governorate of Sidi Bouzid, 120 kilometers west of Sfax, and is a small administrative center (capital of delegation) and a marketing center for agricultural produce from the surrounding area, including fruit.
Its population is explained by the settling of Berber tribes (Confederation of Hammama) that nomadic steppe in the region.
The city is internationally known for breeding purebred Arabian horses and an annual festival of Arab thoroughbreds, the 25th of which was held from 13 to 15 May 2006.
The Festival of the Purebred Arabian Horse of Maknassy
The Festival of the purebred Arabian horse is a celebration of the Arabian horse and has been implemented to promote and develop the equestrian disciplines in which this extraordinary animal competes.
The Arabian horse had played a vital role in the history and development of the Arabian culture, and is held in high regard by all who chose to become part of this amazing animal´s equestrian world.
The Arabian, with a known history going back about five thousand years, is the oldest breed of horses in existence. The earliest records depict his ancestors as war horses in the green crescent of Mesopotamia, and along with the conquering armies, the Arabian horse´s fame spread throughout the known world. As the prized possession of the great kings and rulers, the Arabian horse became a symbol of power and wealth. They were the original source of quality and speed, and remain unsurpassed in the sphere of soundness and endurance. Their exquisite beauty, intelligence, stamina, and devotion to their owners has made Arabians one of the most popular breeds in the world.
The Festival is held under the organization of the director of the house of culture in Maknassy, and it opens its doors every year on July for three consecutive days in Al firma farm, the headquarters of Maknassy‘s farms in Sidi Bouzid governorate, in the center of Tunisia. This Festival includes a number of activities that aim to restore equestrian disciplines and the importance and significance of the Arabian Horse as part of the nation's history. There is a racing display of Arabian racehorses on the first day, followed by a three-day International Arabian Horse Show displaying the beauty and elegance of these majestic animals.
This event is considered the only one of its kind in Africa and particularly, in Tunisia. It will be a quality event and a horse lovers paradise as it will be focusing on the heritage of the Arabian horse, its preservation and development throughout the ages, and its exceptional beauty.
The entire Festival is expected to be attended by key people in the business community across the continent and the Mediterranean, and tourists who come from all over the world to attend this glorious animal festival. In addition to these guests, many owners, breeders, key association members, international media representatives, and personalities will be invited to attend. In this festival the director presents a calendar according to which activities are organized.
The Horse Racing will take place on Tuesday, 1 July at the company farm out of Maknassy. Racing commence at 4.30pm. Entry is open for purebred Arabian horses from Tunisia.
Exhibitions: there are tents of exhibitionists from all over the country who come to introduce their artisanal works of jewelry, potting, leather, glass, wood, and many other materials.
Art show: some artists also come to introduce their fine arts works of painting and sculpture. So as we move on through the galleries we will be astonished in front of the presented pieces of art.