Sahara hosts dance contest to honour ancient festival
Djanet (Algeria), July 11: The Sebeiba festival in Djanet, a town in Algeria’s Sahara, is a 3,000-year-old tradition of the Tuareg people. Held annually, it features a friendly dance competition where dancers symbolically hold swords for battle and cloth for peace, accompanied by women’s chants. The festival lasts ten days and ends with a competition between two neighborhoods, Zelouaz and El Mihan, judged on costumes, dances, and songs. The festival’s significance is tied to two legends: one commemorates Moses’ victory over Pharaoh, and the other marks the resolution of a historic rivalry between two local neighborhoods. Recognized by UNESCO since 2014, Sebeiba also aligns with Ashoura, the Islamic observance of Muharram.
Despite the heat, over 1,000 people gathered for this year’s competition, with children and foreign tourists participating. The event promotes unity, cultural pride, and respect for ancestors. Cheikh Hassani, a festival director, emphasized that Sebeiba is more than just a dance; it’s a sacred tradition that unites the community and preserves their heritage. Djanet’s tourism has increased recently, with government efforts to attract foreign visitors. The Sebeiba continues to be celebrated as a cherished tradition, not only for the Tuareg but for all humanity. (AP)
Despite hardships, Cuban women flaunt extravagant nail art
HAVANA, July 11: Cuban women are increasingly embracing extravagant nail art, despite economic obstacles. The country’s deepening economic crisis has made life challenging for the population, with long lines for buses, power outages, and shortages. For those who master the work, extravagant nails have become an important source of income in Cuba’s limited private economy.
Cuban manicurist Marisel Darias Valdes, who set up a nail salon in Havana, spends nearly six hours applying and decorating acrylic extensions for clients. The designs are varied and all handmade, and Darias can only handle two clients per day. Manicurists have also learned to become content creators with sophisticated social media accounts to promote and sell their services. The cost of the service can range from USD 10 to USD 40, which is a lot of money in a country with a monthly state salary of around 5,000 Cuban pesos. (AP)
