Dearborn to host free watch party for Morocco vs France
Dearborn is hosting a watch party in the 1,200-seat theater of its civic center for the World Cup match Wednesday afternoon between Morocco and France as some in the city’s Arab American population celebrate the first Arab nation to make the semi-finals.
“If you’re cheering for Morocco, bring your flags! If you’re cheering for France, bring your tissue boxes,” Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said in a statement Saturday announcing the watch party that he will host.
The watch party is free and will include concessions, food trucks and food vendors, Hammoud said. Doors open at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. family-friendly event at 15801 Michigan Ave.
“Dearborn is celebrating the World Cup!” Hammoud said. “Join us this Wednesday for the Morocco vs. France semifinal match as we host a free and family-friendly watch party.”
Arab Americans make up 47% of Dearborn’s population, the highest percentage of residents with Arab ancestry among cities in the U.S., according to the census. The city also has a high percentage of immigrants and a global presence as the headquarters of Ford Motor Co, which translates into enthusiasm for the World Cup. This World Cup is the first time an Arab nation, Qatar, has hosted the global soccer tournament.
After Morocco’s victory over Spain, some celebrated at Ford Field Park in Dearborn, with the flag of Morocco draped on their backs. At Haraz Coffee House Saturday on Rotunda in Dearborn, Moroccan food was featured on the menu as Morocco played Portugal.
“Come out watch and cheer Morocco while enjoying fresh authentic Moroccan cuisine,” said a post by Halal Food Junkie on Facebook promoting the event at the Dearborn coffee house.
Morocco’s victory over Portugal was celebrated in Arab communities around the world, from France to the Middle East.
The team’s Islamic prayers on the field and waving of the Palestinian flags resonated with many.
The watch party is the latest event that Hammoud, the first mayor of Arab descent in Dearborn’s history, has promoted to help the city. He took office in January.
For Christmas, Hammoud improved the tree lighting ceremony by bringing in a bigger tree and expanding the ceremonies. Some had criticized the smaller ceremonies and tree in recent years before he became mayor.
Last month’s “tree lighting ceremony signaled what is possible when community feedback, hard work, and imagination collide,” Hammoud said on Instagram. “We needed to bring cheer and celebration back to our Christmas tree lighting ceremony . ... Dearborn will be the city that provides valuable activities and memorable experiences for our families throughout the year!”