Horse Racing “Prix Diane de Hermes” celebrates in style Tunisian horse riding and lore

Tunis , June 19, 2006 (TunisiaOnline) --Tunisia was the special guest of this year's edition of the prestigious “Diane Hermes” horse race in Chantilly , near Paris .

The “Prix Diane de Hermes” featured a Tunisian traditional village, Tunisian horse shows, music bands and dance troupes.

The event, which was attended by some 40,000 spectators, included a sumptuous Tunisian tent and vast picnic grounds. One of the highlights was provided by a colorful demonstration of Tunisian Zlass horsemen mounted on the famous ‘barbary' horses, a rare breed that is being perpetuated in Tunisian stud farms. Their horse riding skills and dramatic last ditch stand were much appreciated by the visitors. The cavalry was also the object of the public's admiration, especially as it presented the Tunisian Salute.

Since 1983 when the renowned luxury brand Hermes decided to sponsor the event, it has also become the annual rendezvous of Paris 's elegant jet set where satin dresses and fancy hats are a must and where good taste is a requirement.

Walking through makeshift Tunisian souks, the visitors also had the possibility of acquainting themselves with a variety of Tunisian crafts and know-how ranging from mosaics, pottery, carpet making, and cooking, all amidst the cheerful applauds of an enthralled public and the traditional music of the Zarzis ‘gougou' band.

With more than 400 journalists and 30 photographers attending the event, the media coverage was more than adequate showing an image of Tunisia as a country anchored in tradition but also in modernity.

This memorable day was attended by a senior Tunisian delegation. French hosts included the CEO of Hermes and many personalities associated with the fashion, the arts and horse racing worlds.