Mayor bans Bermuda shorts in Algeria tourist town amid moral outcry

In July 2023, the Algerian coastal town of Chetaïbi became the center of controversy when Mayor Layachi Allaoua issued a decree prohibiting tourists from wearing Bermuda shorts, labeling them indecent attire. The decision came as a shock to both vacationers and local businesses, who had enjoyed a welcoming atmosphere towards beachgoers. The mayor justified his controversial order by stating it was necessary to uphold society's moral values and maintain public decency. His remarks emphasized that the sight of foreigners in what he deemed indecent clothing disturbed the local population. The immediate backlash to the mayor's decree was forceful, drawing attention from officials in the regional capital, Annaba, who demanded the order be rescinded. Within just two days of the fallout, the mayor announced a reversal of his decree. He stated that his motives were not influenced by Islamist pressures but rather stemmed from a desire to preserve peace and tranquility for both residents and visitors in the town. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Algeria's religious traditions and the country's aspirations for an open tourism sector. The conflict regarding clothing styles in Chetaïbi is reflective of a broader cultural clash in Algeria, especially in regions where tourism converges with substantial religious conservatism. Historically, periods of increased Islamist influence have surfaced throughout Algeria, particularly after the civil war in the 1990s, which significantly impacted public life and ideologies. Despite the loss of Islamist parties at the ballot box, their societal effects are still visible today, often prompting public discussions about acceptable behavior and attire in shared spaces. Chetaïbi, traditionally known for its warm and hospitable environment, now finds itself at a crossroads where the values of tourism and local moral expectations come into conflict. The debate surrounding the mayor's decree touches upon underlying issues that have long characterized Algeria's social fabric. Such events may pose challenges to the country’s goal of enhancing its tourism sector, particularly when international visitors perceive Algeria as harboring restrictive cultural norms. The discussion over men's swimwear in Chetaïbi will likely reverberate through larger conversations about the direction in which Algeria wants to move as it continues to develop its identity on the global stage.