
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
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Must ReadMorocco has condemned the attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates. This condemnation was expressed by Azzeddine Farhane, Morocco's permanent representative ambassador to international organizations in Vienna, during an extraordinary session of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA Board of Governors. The session was convened at the request of Arab member states of the Council Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt following the attack, which compromised the nuclear safety of the UAE. During the session, attended by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Mr. Farhane stated that Morocco reaffirms its full solidarity with the UAE and supports its legitimate right to defend its security, sovereignty, and the protection of its citizens and residents. The ambassador recalled the firm positions expressed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI regarding the aggressions suffered by the UAE since the beginning of the war. Mr. Farhane also noted that Morocco commends the prompt and transparent information provided by the competent UAE authorities to the IAEA regarding the consequences of this attack, as well as the effective measures taken to mitigate its effects, particularly maintaining radiation levels around the Barakah nuclear power plant within normal limits. Mr. Farhane also expressed Morocco's appreciation for the continuous efforts made by the UAE authorities to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful operation of the Barakah nuclear power plant, whic

A 31-year-old individual has been arrested in M'diq on suspicion of planning and preparing a terrorist plot, according to the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations BCIJ. The BCIJ stated that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to counter terrorist organizations threatening the Kingdom's security and public safety. Initial investigations and security monitoring revealed that the suspect was involved in preparing terrorist projects as part of "lone wolf Jihad," acquiring expertise in explosive manufacturing to execute plans targeting public safety, individuals, and vital installations. The suspect is currently in police custody for judicial investigation by the BCIJ, under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor's Office for terrorism affairs, to uncover all attributed extremist activities and determine any national or international links to terrorist organizations.

Ahead of the highly anticipated match between Morocco and Brazil in the FIFA 2026 World Cup, the ambassadors of both countries in Washington, Youssef Amrani of Morocco and Maria Luisa Ribeiro Viotti of Brazil, participated in a 90-minute discussion on "The Power of Sport in Diplomacy." The event was organized by the American think tank Atlantic Council. Both ambassadors highlighted that the people of Morocco and Brazil are united by a shared passion for football, emphasizing that the relationship between the two nations has strong potential for further strengthening due to their convergences and economic complementarities. Ambassador Amrani spoke about sport as a tool for influence, fostering connections between people, and enhancing nations' international presence. He stated that football is a universal language capable of transcending borders, cultures, and divisions. He shared that after nearly fifty years in diplomacy, he has learned that football can open doors and build connections in 90 minutes that diplomacy sometimes takes years to achieve. Amrani also praised the United States' preparations for the 2026 World Cup, noting its symbolic timing with the 250th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Morocco and the United States. He also highlighted the historical significance of the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, positioning Morocco as a link between Africa, Europe, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean. Amrani further elaborated o

FIFA has announced a new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup, designed to enhance visibility and fan engagement. The stadium will transform into a 360-degree stage, ensuring all spectators can view the ceremony. Giant banners, flags, and visual elements representing the two competing nations will be placed on the field. Players will enter the pitch with children from the youth program, passing through an arch near their tunnel. A large banner will be installed in the center circle, where both teams will gather for the national anthems. A significant change is that all players from both teams, not just the starting eleven, will be present in the center of the field for the national anthems. FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes this new ceremony will strengthen unity among players, referees, and fans, creating a moment of unity, pride, and emotion. Following the anthems, traditional rituals will resume, including handshakes, official team photos, and the coin toss by the captains. For later stages of the competition, FIFA plans to incorporate additional visual effects, such as colored smoke and pyrotechnics, to further amplify the pre-match ceremonies.