Rabat’s Walls Come Alive in Bold Hues at Jidar Street Art Festival

Rabat turned into a vibrant open-air museum this May as over 30 artists from eight countries gathered for the annual Jidar street art festival—Jidar meaning “wall” in Arabic. Since 2015, the event has brought art to the streets, turning the city’s walls into colorful canvases. This year, artists used cherry pickers to reach towering surfaces, creating striking murals that invite ongoing public engagement. One standout was Moroccan artist Masawi’s red-and-purple piece, designed to reveal the word “Rabat” from afar. Over 100 murals have been painted since the festival began, with guided tours helping residents connect with the stories behind the art. While the festival is over, its spirit continues to echo through the city’s vivid walls, inspiring those who gaze upon the murals.

Africanews