In brief
The Amazigh, North Africa's original inhabitants, are celebrating the new year 2976 according to their traditional calendar that dates back to 950 BC. The festivities, which include family gatherings, traditional music, and rich feasts, highlight the resurgence of Amazigh culture and language, now gaining greater recognition in countries like Morocco and Algeria, where Yennayer has been declared a public holiday. The celebrations serve both as a communal festivity and a reminder of the Amazigh's historical struggles for recognition.
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.
The 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 centers on family gatherings, celebrating renewal and the deep connection the Amazigh people have traditionally had with nature.
The festivities can also be communal, marked by parades, concerts, and carnivals, showcasing the cultural pride and resilience of the Amazigh people after a long history of marginalization.
Traditional foods vary by region. In Morocco's High Atlas region, ourkemen, a dish of legumes, spices, and grains is a favorite, while Algerian families often enjoy trèze, a mix of sweets and nuts during the celebration.
The Amazigh's quest for recognition has grown successful in recent years; both Algeria and Morocco have declared Yennayer a public holiday and recognized Tamazight as an official language, marking significant milestones in their cultural journey.
