LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) – A group of Algerian women living in Kansas hosted a free community celebration Saturday night at the Granada, thanking Lawrence for its support of the Algerian national soccer team during the World Cup.
Algerian Ladies of Kansas host free event at the Granada to honor the community that welcomed their national team.(KCTV)
The event, organized by the Algerian Ladies of Kansas, featured traditional Algerian food, music, and a children’s fashion show — open to the public at no charge.
‘A love story’
Hafidha Mansouri, one of the event’s organizers, said the night was about expressing gratitude for how Lawrence received the Algerian team and its fans.
“So the event is to thank Lawrence for everything they have done and to show our gratitude for their hospitality and them being nice to the Algerian community and hosting our soccer team,” Mansouri said.
Algerian Ladies of Kansas host free event at the Granada to honor the community that welcomed their national team.(KCTV)
Algeria used Rock Chalk Park as its training base throughout the summer. Watch parties along Massachusetts Street drew thousands of attendees, and Lawrence fans adapted the university’s signature chant — replacing “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk” with “Rock Chalk, Algeria.”
Part of Algeria came here
Co-organizer Louiza Cherfi, who left Algeria 11 years ago, said the summer brought her home country to her doorstep.
“Since I didn’t go — part of Algeria came to me,” Cherfi said. “It was so exciting. I loved it. And we celebrated it all together, even with the Lawrencians. That’s why we are doing this event today — to thank them back for what they did for us.”
Lawrence resident Chas Wiggan said the bond formed this summer reflected something unique about the city.
“This is the true idea — the true metaphor of what it means to be a small community with a big heart,” Wiggan said.
Sister city talks underway
The relationship between Lawrence and Algeria may extend beyond the summer. City officials are exploring a sister cities partnership with Biskra, Algeria — a formal designation that would establish an ongoing civic connection between the two communities.
Algerian Ladies of Kansas host free event at the Granada to honor the community that welcomed their national team.(KCTV)
Mansouri said the summer felt personal, not just civic.
“Every year, I try to go to Algeria and visit,” she said. “And this year, Algeria came to me.”
The Algerian Ladies of Kansas said the Granada event was made possible in part through sponsorship from Explore Lawrence, which covered the venue cost.
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