🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Essaouira to host 22nd Printemps Musical des Alizés festival in 2026, focusing on dialogue
via Le Matin2 min read
Essaouira will host the 22nd edition of the Printemps Musical des Alizés from April 30 to May 3, 2026. This classical music festival, themed "dialogue," aims to celebrate music as a space for exchange and encounter. Over four days, twelve free concerts will take place in iconic Essaouira venues such as Dar Souiri, Bayt Dakira, and Salle de la Marche Verte. The festival's program is designed to be both accessible and demanding, appealing to both novices and experienced classical music enthusiasts. The opening concert will feature a piano trio, including pianist Lucas Debargue, alongside David and Alexandre Castrobalbi. Beyond the concerts, the festival emphasizes transmission through initiatives like the Matinée Jeunes Talents, which highlights a new generation of musicians, and the Alizés Conducting Academy, offering young conductors the opportunity to lead the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra. The theme of dialogue will also be explored through various formats, from the musical show "Le pianiste aux cinquante doigts" to symphonic evenings comparing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. A musical walk through the medina is also planned. Created in 2001, the Printemps Musical des Alizés is recognized as the only classical music festival in Morocco, known for its intimate atmosphere and program quality. Supported by the Ténor Foundation for Culture and the Essaouira Mogador Association, it has contributed to the cultural influence of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for over two
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Achraf Hakimi, a player for Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, was seen in a Parisian restaurant signing a PSG jersey for Rihanna. The jersey was emblazoned with Rihanna's name, and Hakimi inscribed it with "For Rihanna, with love." Rihanna, a global star, was pictured smiling and holding the jersey. The moment was shared by Hakimi on his social media story, leading to widespread online comments, shares, and speculation. Rihanna is known for her interest in football, particularly Paris Saint-Germain, which she has followed for several years. Hakimi's high-profile career continues to grow, establishing him as a respected figure in global football.
Must ReadThe 'Pamoja' project, intended to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations CAN across East Africa, is facing significant challenges, with the Confederation of African Football CAF now seriously considering relocating the tournament. A confidential CAF inspection report, following a February 2026 visit and seen by the French daily "Le Monde," highlights major deficiencies, particularly in Uganda. None of the inspected stadiums in Uganda currently meet the 'category 4' requirements for hosting CAN 2027, and the Hoima complex shows structural flaws. The renovation of Kampala's Nelson-Mandela Stadium is also significantly delayed. Kenya's preparations are similarly behind schedule, with the Moi International Sports Centre and the Talanta Stadium in Nairobi facing scrutiny. The Talanta Stadium, initially expected by late 2025, is now projected for July 2026. Tanzania is the only co-host making satisfactory progress. CAF has noted a critical lack of coordination among the three countries, especially regarding transport and accommodation infrastructure. In response, CAF is reportedly preparing a 'plan B,' with South Africa emerging as a strong candidate to host the entire event due to its experience and infrastructure from the 2010 World Cup. Another option being discussed is integrating Rwanda as a partial fallback if one of the current hosts withdraws. Despite assurances from Kenyan Sports Minister Salim Mvurya, the pressure on CAF to ensure a successful tournament is mounting.
Marrakech is preparing to host the 55th National Popular Arts Festival from July 2 to 6, 2026. This edition, themed "Popular Arts, Treasures of Yesterday and Today," will celebrate the rich living traditions of Morocco. The festival aims to highlight the ability of traditional artistic expressions to transcend generations while reinventing themselves. Invited troupes from across Morocco, from the North to the Sahara, will present a panorama of the Kingdom's intangible heritage through dances, songs, and costumes. Examples include the Ahidous of the Atlas, Gnaoua rituals, and Taskiwin performances from Souss. The festival emphasizes a philosophy of living heritage, where each generation actively participates in its transmission. The El Badi Palace, a 16th-century monument, will host major performances, transforming into an open-air theater where heritage and contemporary creation interact. Jemaâ El-Fna square, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site, will continue to feature storytellers, musicians, and acrobats. This 55th edition will also pay tribute to singer Zina Daoudia during the "Night of Stars." Organizers view the festival as an act of remembrance and recognition for the guardians of intangible heritage. Mohamed Knidiri, president of the Festival, states that "popular arts are not a frozen heritage, but a promise kept to each generation." The festival reaffirms Marrakech's central role in preserving and celebrating Moroccan intangible heritage.
Austria has affirmed its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2797 concerning the Moroccan Sahara. This stance was documented in a joint communiqué adopted in Vienna following a meeting between Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, and Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, who was on a working visit to Austria. The joint communiqué also noted Austria's commendation of Resolution 2797, which fully backs the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to facilitate and conduct negotiations based on the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco. The goal is to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. Austria welcomed Morocco's willingness to clarify how autonomy within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty would be implemented. This strengthened position from Austria reinforces the growing international consensus, driven by King Mohammed VI, in favor of the Moroccan identity of the Sahara and in support of the Autonomy Initiative, which was recognized by the UN Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2797 on October 31, 2025.