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.
What is Yennayer?
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.
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 has been donned for the occasion.
Who are the Amazigh?
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 lack of official statistics, but estimates suggest there are tens of millions of Amazigh people living across North Africa. Algeria and Morocco have the largest populations, with Morocco thought to be around 40% Amazigh.
Food, family and community
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 new year’s favourite.
Many families in Algeria enjoy “trèze”, a combination of sweets, dried fruit and nuts, after the main meal. The snack mix is sometimes gently thrown over the youngest child as a symbol of prosperity.
But Yennayer is not just a family celebration. Parades, concerts and carnivals also take the new year’s spirit out on to the streets.
A history of marginalisation and recognition
Such proud displays of Amazigh culture are particularly significant given the community’s long history of marginalisation.
In the 7th century, Arab conquerors swept across North Africa, bringing with them their language and the Islamic religion. Both were adopted officially, often at the expense of Amazigh languages and culture.
During the rule of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, the Amazigh language Tamazight was banned in schools, and parents were not allowed to give their children Amazigh names.
However, sustained activism has led to greater recognition in recent years. In 2011, Morocco recognised Tamazight as an official language. Algeria and Morocco also declared Yennayer a public holiday in 2017 and 2023 respectively.
Yennayer therefore marks not only the Amazigh new year, but also a celebration of cultural survival and a centuries-long struggle that has brought the community to where it is now – in 2976.
Source: BBC
