馃嚥馃嚘MoroccoNorth Africa
Marrakech hosts 55th National Festival of Popular Arts, showcasing Morocco's cultural heritage
via Le Matin4 min read
The 55th National Festival of Popular Arts concluded in Marrakech, transforming the city into a vibrant stage for Moroccan traditions from July 2 to 6. The festival, held in historical venues like El Badi Palace and Bahia Palace, featured songs, dances, costumes, and rhythms from various troupes across the Kingdom. For over half a century, the festival has provided a platform for artistic practices deeply embedded in daily life across Morocco's mountains, plains, oases, and Saharan provinces. Performances included the synchronized movements of Ahidous, the intense percussions of Ahwach, and the unique choreography of the Tizwit troupe from Kal芒at M鈥橤ouna, whose name means "bee" in Amazigh and whose dance mimics a beehive's organization. Other acts like Abidat Rma engaged the audience with powerful drumming and call-and-response chants. Mohamed, a troupe member, expressed honor in sharing their traditions with diverse audiences. The Dakka Marrakchia performances at El Badi Palace resonated deeply due to the monument's acoustics. The festival also showcased the slow tempo of the "Kdra" from the southern provinces, the spiritual atmosphere of the Issaoua, the African roots of Moroccan culture through the Gnaoua, and the martial energy of Reggada. A significant aspect highlighted was the essential role of women in transmitting these traditions, leading chants and perpetuating ancestral knowledge. This edition also included performances from China and Africa, emphasizing shared el
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The commercial agreement between Morocco and the United Kingdom is entering a new phase of technical adaptation. The Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes published circular n掳6758/233 on July 7, 2026, concerning the rules of origin within the framework of the association agreement between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This update follows the signing of decision n掳01/2026 by the Morocco鈥揢nited Kingdom Association Council on March 16, 2026, which modifies protocol 4 regarding the definition of "originating products" and methods of administrative cooperation. The new provisions address several key aspects of preferential trade, including cumulation of origin, the direct transport rule, procedures for issuing certificates of origin, invoice declarations, EUR-MED declarations, supplier declarations, and supporting documents. A significant development is the cumulation of origin, allowing products originating from Morocco or the United Kingdom to benefit from cumulation with the European Union, EFTA, Turkey, and Mediterranean Arab countries that are signatories to the Agadir Agreement. This change allows for better integration of regional value chains, where materials or processing from certain partner countries can be considered in determining preferential origin, provided necessary commercial agreements are in force and conditions are met. The circular also introduces a new formulation of the direct transport rule, pe
The Egyptian Football Association, through its president Hany About Rida, has formally requested FIFA open an investigation into French referee Fran莽ois Letexier. This request follows what the association describes as "flagrant refereeing errors and the application of a double standard" during a match, which they claim led to the Egyptian team's defeat. The association is asking for Letexier, his assistants, and the video assistant referees to be barred from officiating at the World Cup, pending an investigation into these errors and confirmation of discrimination against the Egyptian team. They specifically cite Mr. Letexier's "stubborn refusal" to review certain actions, which they believe should have resulted in a valid goal and a penalty for the Pharaohs. During the match, Fran莽ois Letexier disallowed a goal by Egyptian striker Mostafa Zico in the second half after VAR intervention, citing a foul at the start of the play. The Egyptians also believe they should have been awarded a penalty in added time for a shirt pull on Hamdy Fathy and contact between Mohamed Salah and Julian Alvarez in the box, just before Argentina's third goal. Following the match, Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan criticized the refereeing as "neither fair nor equitable," suggesting that pressure from the Argentinian side influenced the outcome.
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