Across North Africa, the Amazigh people have been coming together to usher in the year 2976. They have, unfortunately, not cracked time travel. Rather, they are almost a thousand years ahead of much of the world because they follow a calendar that starts at 950 BC, when King Sheshonq ascended the throne of Egypt.
The Amazigh new year, known as Yennayer, begins between 12 and 14 January - depending on the area in which they live in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya - so over the last few days families have been laying on huge feasts, lighting bonfires and playing traditional music.
Calls of aseggas ameggaz, or happy new year, have been ringing through villages and busy city streets, while vibrant, meticulously embroidered traditional clothing have been donned for the occasion.
The Amazigh (which means free people or noble people) are a range of ethnic groups that are North Africa's original inhabitants, having occupied the region since the beginning of recorded history. The exact size of the population is not known because of a dearth of official statistics, but according to estimates there are tens of millions of Amazigh people living across North Africa. Algeria and Morocco have the biggest populations - the latter is thought to be 40% Amazigh.
Yennayer centres on family gatherings, celebrating renewal and the deep connection the Amazigh people have traditionally had with nature.
Because the Amazigh are a diverse group, traditional Yennayer food differs from country to country and area to area. In Morocco's High Atlas region, ourkemen, a rich mixture of legumes, spices and whole grains, is a favorite during new year. Many families in Algeria enjoy trèze, a combination of sweets, dried fruit and nuts, shared as a symbol of prosperity.
Yennayer is not just a family affair; it can also be celebrated with the wider community, featuring parades, concerts and carnivals that proudly display Amazigh culture, especially significant due to the community's long history of marginalization.
In the 7th Century, Arab conquerors introduced their language and Islamic religion, suppressing Amazigh languages and culture. However, activism led to greater recognition of Amazigh culture, with Morocco officially recognizing the Amazigh language, Tamazight, in 2011, and both Algeria and Morocco declaring Yennayer a public holiday in recent years. This year’s celebrations not only honor a new beginning but also reflect the Amazigh community's resilience and journey toward cultural recognition.
The Amazigh new year, known as Yennayer, begins between 12 and 14 January - depending on the area in which they live in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya - so over the last few days families have been laying on huge feasts, lighting bonfires and playing traditional music.
Calls of aseggas ameggaz, or happy new year, have been ringing through villages and busy city streets, while vibrant, meticulously embroidered traditional clothing have been donned for the occasion.
The Amazigh (which means free people or noble people) are a range of ethnic groups that are North Africa's original inhabitants, having occupied the region since the beginning of recorded history. The exact size of the population is not known because of a dearth of official statistics, but according to estimates there are tens of millions of Amazigh people living across North Africa. Algeria and Morocco have the biggest populations - the latter is thought to be 40% Amazigh.
Yennayer centres on family gatherings, celebrating renewal and the deep connection the Amazigh people have traditionally had with nature.
Because the Amazigh are a diverse group, traditional Yennayer food differs from country to country and area to area. In Morocco's High Atlas region, ourkemen, a rich mixture of legumes, spices and whole grains, is a favorite during new year. Many families in Algeria enjoy trèze, a combination of sweets, dried fruit and nuts, shared as a symbol of prosperity.
Yennayer is not just a family affair; it can also be celebrated with the wider community, featuring parades, concerts and carnivals that proudly display Amazigh culture, especially significant due to the community's long history of marginalization.
In the 7th Century, Arab conquerors introduced their language and Islamic religion, suppressing Amazigh languages and culture. However, activism led to greater recognition of Amazigh culture, with Morocco officially recognizing the Amazigh language, Tamazight, in 2011, and both Algeria and Morocco declaring Yennayer a public holiday in recent years. This year’s celebrations not only honor a new beginning but also reflect the Amazigh community's resilience and journey toward cultural recognition.
