Music Extravaganza, Giant Fireworks As Independent Algeria Turns 50

Algerian celebrations to mark 50 years since gaining independence are to kick off with a mega open air performance inspired by the lofty national liberation struggle against the harsh colonial yoke.

• Algerian celebrations to mark 50 years since gaining a hard-won independence from France are to kick off on Wednesday with a giant open air performance inspired by the national liberation struggle, followed by nationwide fireworks displays.

• President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will attend the historical musical “The Hero” being staged at a theatre in the seaside resort of Sidi Fredj, the site of the French landing in 1830 that begins the official festivities ahead of Thursday’s anniversary.

• The show, dedicated to the sustained armed struggle waged by Algerians against the French colonial occupation, “summarises the evolution of Algeria through its history,” according to Minister of Mudjahidine or War Veterans Mohamed Cherif Abbes.

• The exciting musical will be followed by a giant fireworks display at midnight in Sidi Fredj and at the Riad El Feth sanctuary dedicated to the glorious Algerian Martyrs, a huge monument in the capital which overlooks the bay of Algiers, according to organisers.

• Designed by Lebanese choreographer Abdel Halim Caracalla, Wednesday’s musical will bring together 800 actors, singers and ballet dancers and broadcast live on public television channels.

• The skies over the country’s 48 provinces will then be lit-up by fireworks displays orchestrated by a Chinese company at a cost of $9 million, according to a source at the mujahidine ministry.

• On the anniversary itself, 10,000 youths will stage a show at the Olympic stadium that will retrace the struggle for independence, and President Bouteflika will lay a wreath at the foot of the Martyrs’ sanctuary in the presence of top civilian and military officials.

• The gorgeous independence festivities will be followed by numerous seminars, conferences, workshops on a myriad of topics and a series of book launches.