🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Rabat's Jidar Street Art Festival transforms city facades into open-air galleries
via Le Matin3 min read
The 11th edition of Jidar, the Street Art Festival, is transforming Rabat's urban landscape, turning previously anonymous facades into large-scale artworks across neighborhoods like El Youssoufia and Hassan. Moroccan artist Mizmiz, known for his digital animations, created an introspective piece in El Youssoufia, featuring an monumental orange and abstract silhouettes, reflecting on purity before environmental influence. In Agdal-Riad, Peruvian-Chilean artist Jumu Monster's mural showcases hybrid creatures and pre-Columbian ritual masks, with an Arabic inscription meaning "You make the impossible possible." Russian artist Marat Morik in Hassan employs a complex layering of techniques, blending figurative realism with geometric abstraction. Franco-Moroccan Nassim Azarzar reinterprets Moroccan transport truck aesthetics into a modern graphic language. Moroccan artist Ritanosko's first outdoor fresco in El Youssoufia uses fluid lines and vibrant colors to create an "imaginary archaeology." Spanish artist Marina Capdevila adds humor with vital elderly characters, while her compatriot Guillem Font uses a black and white palette to highlight organic details. The festival, concluding on April 26, also features local talents like RDS Reda Boudina, who merges traditional graffiti with architectural research. A key question remains regarding the long-term preservation of these monumental frescoes. Through guided tours and collective creations, Jidar demonstrates that art can thrive bey
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has introduced a new initiative called "Super Shoutout," allowing fans to have their names displayed on the giant screens in the stadiums for $79. This service is accessible via an online platform, where supporters can select a group stage match and submit their identity at least 72 hours in advance. Purchases are limited to four registrations per order. Slots for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa sold out within hours. The display of names will occur exclusively on the giant screens of the sixteen North American stadiums and only during the pre-match period, specifically during player warm-ups. FIFA does not guarantee the exact placement on the screen or a minimum broadcast duration. A moderation committee strictly filters requests, automatically excluding any messages with political, commercial, or offensive connotations.
The United States Embassy in Rabat hosted its annual National Day reception at the historic Chellah site to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US independence. The event highlighted the unique relationship between Rabat and Washington, with Morocco being the first country to recognize US independence in the late 18th century. US Ambassador to Morocco, Richard Duke Buchan III, drew parallels between Chellah's 2,600-year history and the enduring Moroccan-American partnership. He emphasized Morocco's role as a "pillar of stability" in a changing world, guided by the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and called Morocco the US's "strongest and most reliable ally" in the region. The Ambassador reaffirmed US support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the sole basis for a just and lasting solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue, noting President Donald Trump's unwavering support. He also highlighted the economic opportunities in the Southern Provinces, particularly in the energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors, which are attracting increasing interest from American businesses. Concrete examples of the partnership include the recent inauguration of the new US Consulate General in Casablanca, a $350 million investment, and the more than 1,000 employees of the American mission in the Kingdom. The preservation of the American Legation in Tangier, the oldest US diplomatic property globally, was also cited as a symbol of this historic relationship. Security cooperation was
Noussair Mazraoui, Chamseddine Talbi, and Anass Salah-Eddine have returned to training with the Moroccan national team at their New Jersey base, offering positive news regarding their physical condition. Mazraoui, a Manchester United full-back, resumed training less than 48 hours after sustaining a shoulder injury during the 1-1 draw against Norway, which was confirmed as a minor contusion. Sunderland winger Talbi and PSV Eindhoven player Salah-Eddine have also rejoined collective training. However, concerns persist for Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Nayef Aguerd. Real Betis winger Ezzalzouli, who suffered a moderate knee ligament sprain against Norway, is expected to be out for two to four weeks, likely missing the group stage of World Cup 2026. Despite this, the medical staff intends to keep him with the squad in hopes of his return if Morocco qualifies for the round of 16. Central defender Aguerd is still undergoing rehabilitation after spring surgery and was absent from the latest collective training session. The technical staff remains optimistic about the Olympique de Marseille player's recovery timeline. The team's first World Cup match is scheduled for June 13 against Brazil at MetLife Stadium.