
Italian photographer Nicola Fioravanti's tribute to Morocco
«Morocco, Sentimental Atlas» is the new exhibition by Italian photographer Nicola Fioravanti, showcasing his collection dedicated to the kingdom from April 16 to May 22 at the Letizia Battaglia International Photography Center in the Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa in Palermo, Sicily.
Supported by the Moroccan Consulate General, the event, organized by art historian Daniela Brignone, the I-design Association, and Contemporary Concept, offers an opportunity to explore a selection of 40 photographs that celebrate Morocco's colors, faces, alleyways, architecture, and everyday scenes.
Nicola Fioravanti's first visit to Morocco dates back to 2010, when he discovered a «chromatic power» that became a source of inspiration. Nearly ten years later, his return to the country marked a turning point, with his new goal being to «tell the soul» of its people and land. Fioravanti traveled through cities and villages, streets and kasbahs, stalls, and craft shops, capturing moments that celebrate the naturally harmonious colors of Morocco.
«This exhibition is not just a photographic testimony of great mastery, but an emotional journey to the heart of Morocco», emphasizes curator Daniela Brignone. She refers to a body of work that delves into Morocco's culture and soul, presented in Palermo, a city that still retains many historical landmarks from the Arab domination in southern Europe.
The photos notably showcase the medina of Casablanca, with its bustling markets, Chefchaouen with its blue-painted streets, and a sense of suspended atmosphere. For the photographer, this exhibition represents a significant milestone as it marks the first time one of his exhibitions is hosted in Sicily. After Palermo, the exhibition will be presented in Rabat, from December 1 to 18, at the Bab Rouah Gallery.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Morocco World
How Much Was French Montana Paid for Club World Cup Opening Ceremony?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opened in Miami with fireworks, choreography and a music show from French Montana. The Moroccan rapper took centre stage at Hard Rock Stadium, joining Swae Lee to deliver their global hit Unforgettable . The pair headlined a lively opening ceremony, setting the tone for FIFA's first-ever expanded 32-team club tournament. FIFA hasn't confirmed what it paid for the star-studded show, but industry sources suggest French Montana could have earned up to $2 million for the night – a figure in line with what artists like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez reportedly made for previous FIFA events. That fee would typically cover rehearsals, live performance, and rights to use the artist's image across international broadcasts. With sponsors on board and millions watching worldwide, the event was bound to carry a hefty production bill. The ceremony featured multiple acts, including Vikina and Richaelio, and concluded with fireworks and large-scale visuals. Students from Miami Dade College paraded badges of all 32 competing clubs, forming the letters 'FIFA' at the centre of the pitch, while players were introduced individually before kick-off between Inter Miami and Egypt's Al Ahly. Much of the crowd wore 'Messi 10' shirts in Inter Miami's distinctive pink and black colours, and chants of 'Messi, Messi, Messi' echoed throughout the stadium, reminiscent of Argentina's World Cup triumph in Qatar three years ago. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had promised a 'full stadium' and 'incredible atmosphere,' but several empty green seats remained visible despite the announced attendance falling just short of the venue's 65,000 capacity. Infantino was joined in the stands by Brazil's Ronaldo and Italy's Roberto Baggio. Lionel Messi came close to scoring on several occasions, including a bending free-kick that rippled the side netting and had fans momentarily convinced it had gone in. However, Inter Miami were held to a frustrating nil-nil draw in what many considered their most winnable group match. They now face Portuguese side Porto on Thursday in a tougher challenge. Manager Javier Mascherano said the team must 'take it game by game,' adding, 'When we find Leo in the right positions, we create the best chances. Anything can happen in football.' Tags: Club World CupFrench MontanaSwan Lee


Morocco World
9 hours ago
- Morocco World
Chinese Bridge Competition Boosts China-Morocco Relations
Rabat – The Chinese Bridge competition's final phase took place on June 14 at Mohammed V University in Rabat to celebrate Chinese studies and bilateral cultural exchange in Morocco. This was part of an international competition that brought together competitors celebrating cultural exchange. The winner of the international Chinese language proficiency competition for foreign students earns a scholarship to study in China. This is part of an effort to connect friendship across nations. This event was the final of a national competition marked by the participation of Moroccan university students from three universities. The universities that participated in the competition were Hassan II University in Casablanca, Mohammed V University in Rabat, and Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Tangier. The first part of the competition was based on Mandarin speaking, writing, and listening. Twelve participants took part in the grand final competition, with the first half of the event being a speaking test and the second half taking place as activities associated with Chinese culture. The winner of the Special Prize went to Yasmine El Mezouari El Galoui, who participated by performing traditional calligraphy and a tea ceremony. El Galoui will likely go to China on a six-month internship and represent Morocco in China. The first prize recipient was Najlaa Maouzi. All of the twelve participants were then presented with certificates of achievement in excellence. The other cultural activities that were displayed at this event included Chinese calligraphy, traditional painting, dancing, singing, drumming, as well as Kung-Fu and other martial arts. Each of the twelve participants performed one activity in combination with films produced with traditional artwork, most composed of natural designs. The Moroccan Government, the Chinese Embassy in Rabat, organized the event in collaboration with two Chinese universities, the East China Normal University in Shanghai and the Beijing Language and Cultural University The Chinese Ambassador to Morocco, Li Changlin , was in attendance and gave a speech at the end of the event to emphasize the importance of academic and cultural exchanges to build relations between the two nations. In a statement to Morocco World News (MWN), the Chinese ambassador stressed that China attaches great importance to the competition, noting that the contest took place in a favorable context amid the development of bilateral ties between Morocco and China. 'As you know, I also said in my speech, there is a dynamic in Sino-Moroccan cooperation. We have a very interesting cultural exchange. We have a very interesting cultural exchange,' he told MWN. This event comes during a period when the two countries have strengthened their bilateral relations, and the final was held under the banner 'One World, One Family'. It was also described as the Chinese Bridge, bringing the two nations together. This event also signifies the current dynamics of Moroccan-Chinese bilateral relations centred on the Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative is a large-scale connectivity project with a number of large-scale investments China has made to strengthen its diplomatic position. This was a great and successful event to be able to expand Chinese relations and cultural horizons with nations across Africa and the rest of the world. Tags: African EducationChina and Morocco


Morocco World
21 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco-Spain Tunnel: Bridging Continents for Euro-African Integration
A tunnel between worlds In the bustling port of Tangier, ferries cross back and forth, carrying families, tourists, and goods between Morocco and Spain. This route has long been crucial to connecting Africa and Europe. Today, with the proposed building of the Strait of Gibraltar tunnel, a new chapter in this cross-continental relationship is forming. The Strait of Gibraltar tunnel link between Morocco and Spain has once again captured international attention, thanks to recent developments in the two countries. On May 10, Spain allocated €1.6 million to conduct updated feasibility studies for an underwater rail tunnel that would link Punta Paloma in Cadiz to Punta Malabata near Tangier. The project, formally revived in 2023, following a period of uncertainty and disruption since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been under discussion since the 1980s. A recent joint statement issued by Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente and Moroccan authorities emphasizes the geostrategic importance of this crossing, which is seen to be more than just a physical connection: a bridge between continents, cultures, and economies. Despite its promise, the Morocco-Spain tunnel initiative faces daunting technical challenges. The 42-kilometer rail tunnel would extend as low as 475 meters beneath the sea and have to pass through a seismically sensitive region near the Azores-Gibraltar fault line. Symbolism and soft power To Morocco, the tunnel is more than simple infrastructure. It is a demonstration of soft power and continental leadership. With the only African country to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, (co-hosting alongside Spain and Portugal), Morocco is already making news. While early expectations had hoped to see the tunnel finished in time for the tournament, revised projections now place completion closer to 2040. Still, the political and cultural momentum remains significant. In April, Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called for a strengthening of EU-Morocco ties, stressing the importance of bilateral cooperation amid rising global uncertainty. Morocco is not just a neighbor, but a strategic partner for Europe. The Morocco-Spain tunnel project could become a literal and symbolic way to make these ambitions a reality. The cross-cultural initiative Operation Crossing the Strait (OPE), was referenced by Spain's Ministry of Home Affairs as an example of 'good coordination between neighboring countries and of the great preparatory work of our technical teams,' demonstrating how joint infrastructure efforts can be an example of broader diplomatic harmony. OPE is a 'permanent [form of] communication between our respective teams.' Local impact and ferry trade Economically, the tunnel would transform regional logistics. Analysts at CAPMAD observe that the tunnel is part of wider EU-African trade ambitions, particularly the European Green Deal and supply chain expansion into North and West Africa. Morocco, already a key trade partner with Spain and the EU, could further consolidate its role as an African entrance point for goods and labour. This is especially critical considering shipping disruptions and global instability that are pushing European countries to diversify supply routes and expand regional partnerships. The economic stakes are high. Spanish transport officials state that the tunnel will bring a 'quantitative and qualitative acceleration of the [Moroccan] economy' by opening up the movement of goods, services, and people. In May 2025, the launch of new high-speed ferry services between Tarifa and Tangier by Balearia once again highlights this point. As one Balearia spokesperson explained to Morocco World News, 'it's a very important route for our customers, for Moroccans, and for all tourists visiting Morocco, particularly the city of Tangier.' This only adds to the commercial viability of investment in permanent infrastructure, with the Strait of Gibraltar tunnel initiative demonstrating the growing demand for safe and efficient crossings. If ferry traffic is any indicator, demand for connectivity is high. The Gibraltar tunnel would not replace ferries but supplement them, offering a permanent, weather-resistant alternative. A tunnel of dreams and doubts Beyond the geopolitics and financial considerations lies a human story. For thousands of Moroccan families with relatives in Spain, and for students, workers, and tourists traveling between continents, the Strait of Gibraltar tunnel represents something tangible: ease of movement, integration and opportunity. Whether or not this vision is achieved depends not only on engineering calculations, but on sustained political will and inter-regional cooperation. However, not all are as optimistic. There is concern with the environmental implications of drilling through the sensitive seabed of the Strait of Gibraltar, especially in an area so crucial to marine biodiversity and the connecting point between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean . Meanwhile, the Morocco-Spain tunnel has often faced criticism as skeptics point to the decades-long history of missed deadlines and political detours. Although preliminary discussions began in the early 2000s, physical progress has been lacking, with each administration restarting efforts without any concrete goalposts. Technically, the tunnel would surpass even the Eurotunnel (connecting the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and The Netherlands) and Norway's Ryfast in complexity. The seismic hazards in the region make it unlike any existing underwater rail connection, as evaluated in regional infrastructure assessments. A future in the making In many ways, the Morocco-Spain tunnel is more than just an engineering feat; it represents the future of EU-African relations. It challenges the countries involved to contemplate something greater than borders and short-term gains. The tunnel is not simply steel and concrete, but the idea of greater continental solidarity. As plans move forward and studies develop, the question remains: Will the Gibraltar tunnel unite communities and close old gaps, or expose new ones? If completed, the project could stand as one of the 21st century's most powerful symbols of Euro-African unity. For now though, it remains merely a vision. Even if the train takes years to arrive, the journey it promises has already begun. Tags: economyMorocco spainunderwater tunnel