"The Nesri Plant can be seen as a political instrument to level up Zaghouan," said Imen Lahmayer, member of the Nesri Festival Association of Zaghouan (AFEZ)

The city of Zaghouan will celebrate the 40th edition of the Nesri festival, scheduled to take place from May 29 to June 7, 2026 and organized by 'Association du Festival Ennesri de Zaghouan' (AFEZ).

In this context, a press conference was held Saturday, May 23, in a garden at the foot of the renowned 'Water Temple' in this mountainous city, located 40 miles from Tunisia's capital, Tunis.

In an effort to transcend a folklorist perspective and partially restore the city’s former political prominence, particularly during the Roman era, Imen Lahmayer, an expert in sustainable agriculture and natural ecosystem management, highlighted to culturetunisie.com on Sunday that the Nesri festival is designed to showcase the advantages of the Nesri plant, also known as "wild rose." She described it as a "locomotive for local, national, and even international development."

Imen Lahmayer, at the press conference for the 40th edition of the Nesri festival in Zaghouan. Photo credit: culturetunisie.com

The cultivation of the Nesri plant, as noted by Imen Lahmayer, can indeed act as a political instrument. It serves not only as a symbol but also as a development tool for the entire region, aiming to attract diverse populations from all over the world.

"Zaghouan undoubtedly holds a charm, thanks to its simplicity and its quiet way of life, as well as an imposing height, due to the mountains that border, constitute, and protect it," she explained.

And she added, "Why not, since the city of Zaghouan was, throughout its history, a social center and a place of diversity where multiple cultures met and collaborated in complete harmony. Today, we want to make this festival a gateway reopening to the city in order to restore the taste for development, prosperity, and above all, hope to the citizens of this city."

The purpose of this 40th edition is, then, to establish a roadmap to enhance the visibility of the city of Zaghouan and ensure its prominence.

Moreover, Zaghouan is renowned for its kaak warka—a pastry resembling a small white circle with Andalusian roots, flavored with rose hip, called, as we say, Nesri, a traditional floral water that thrives during the spring season.

'The Water Temple' in Zaghouan. Photo credit : cuturetunisie.com

Thus, according to Imen Lahmayer, the aim behind this 40th edition of the Nesri festival is to highlight this plant, which produces a delicate flower scientifically named Rosa canina, as a thing that produces many economic, cultural and social benefits.

For instance, Nesri flower water has long been known to provide calming and balancing effects on one's health.  It is used to assist the organism during seasonal changes, accompany moments of exhaustion, or just provide a feeling of renewal and wellbeing. 

When used cosmetically, it is ideal for revitalizing and softly toning dull or sensitive skin. It is also a lovely flower water to use on a daily basis due to its gentle smell.

Imen Lahmayer claims that the Nesri plant is a "passing offering" that needs to be transmitted on from one generation to the next in a way that promotes cultural, economical and organizational progress.

The organizers claim that the Nesri festival has become now a cornerstone for the whole area.

While this event appears to be cultural, it is actually political in nature and is still based on a shaky framework. Until now, it does not continuously rely on strong financial resources that, if they were available, would guarantee the festival's long-term independence and prosperity.

"Developing this festival aims to revitalize the entire Zaghouan region, which needs to restore its local dynamism in order to inspire hope among its local citizens for a brighter future," Lahmayer argued. According to her, they ultimately aspire to achieve a life of quality and dignity for themselves and their children.

Mohamed Ali Elhaou