Every May 4, the Fans of the Galaxies War celebrate the world Wars World day. The reason? A funny word game that – if in Spanish they lose all the meaning – in English completely defined this day as World Wars Day. Of the mythical phrase May the force be with you (‘May the force accompany you‘) The celebration of this day is born; well May the force Sounds the same as May the forth –May, 4th–that is, May 4.
Explanations apart, we go to what we like: focus the Star Wars adventure On a real trip. Although it seems that the entire action took place in a very, far galaxythe truth is that many of the most iconic Star Wars scenarios They are much closer than we imagine: in the middle of Mediterranean. Specifically, in South Tunisiawhere George Lucas found the perfect natural decoration To recreate the planet Tatooine.
The galaxy begins in the Tunisian desert
The choice of Tunisia to create Tatooine in Star Wars It was no accident. Its arid landscapes, its intense light and its ancestral architecture peoples converted the south of the country into an ideal place for Recreate Luke Skywalker’s home planet.
It was in 1977 when George Lucas’s team first arrived in the country to roll Episode IV: A new hope. But the Relationship between the Star Wars and Tunisia saga He didn’t stay there: scenes were also recorded The ghost threat y The attack of the cloneseven returning to some original scenarios.
The town of Matmata, for example, was the place chosen to set the Lars Farmwhere Owen and Beru lived, Luke’s uncles. The underground house, a traditional Berber construction, has been preserved until today, converted into a small rustic accommodation that continues to host fans around the world.
From Mos Eisley to Mos Espa: a time and space trip
One of the most mythical scenarios is undoubtedly the Cantina de Mos Eisleywhere Han Solo shoots first and seals one of the most important alliances of the saga.
Although the canteen was recreated in study, its exterior was shot in Ajim, on the island of Djerba. In that same town is also the Casa de Obi-Wan Kenobias appears in A new hope.
Another of the key enclaves is the Mos Espa Slave neighborhoodbuilt as an authentic set in the middle of the Jemel NGO desert. This is where we know Anakin Skywalker Niño and where the Mos Espa circuitscenario of the spectacular pod career.
The structures are still standing, semi -soured by the sand, as a vestige of cinema turned into archaeological ruin.
The sea of dunes and the inhabitants of the sands
The most inhospitable landscapes in southern Tunisia served to recreate the desert regions of Tatooine. In it Sea of dunesfor example, the scenes in which the Jawas capture R2-D2, as well as the first meeting between Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. It is also here where the dreaded inhabitants of Las Arenas live.
Those who travel to these corners will find scenarios that continue to be relatives, even without the need for special effects: from rock formations to vast sand plains that are lost on the horizon.
How to tour the galactic scenarios
Explore Star Wars scenarios in Tunisia It is an experience very different from visiting a film set. There are no lines or thematic stores, but there are no indications either.
Therefore, it is best to rent a car and travel at your pace the key points. An off -road vehicle is not necessary, although it is convenient to have caution at the wheel: driving in Tunisia can be chaotic for those who are not accustomed.
There is also the option to hire a guide with driver, although the price can exceed € 100 per person and day. On the other hand, if public transport is chosen, it must be taken into account that connections in the south of the country are limited and rare schedules.
A real planet with fictional name
Interestingly, the name of the planet Tatooine comes from the real people of Tataouinein southern Tunisia. Although in the film it was not filmed there, the name was immortalized as one of the most famous in the film universe.
Today, with each galactic anniversary, the number of travelers who cross the Mediterranean grows in search of the places where everything began. Just because: Before the millenary falcon existed, Tatooine was already on the map. Only a good story was needed to turn it into a legend.
