Some consider this celebration to be a French invention devoid of historical value, while others argue that its origins lie in the victory of the Amazighs over the Egyptians in 950 BC.
On January 13, the firelight illuminated the rocky slopes of the High Atlas Mountains, marking the beginning of Yennayer 2975, the Amazigh New Year.
As night fell, the flames danced in the darkness, welcoming a celebration that transcends time and written history.
The Amazigh people of North Africa not only celebrate a new agricultural cycle, but also the resilience of their ancestral traditions in the face of centuries of marginalization.
Yennayer, whose name comes from “yan” (one) and “ayyur” (month) in Tamazight, marks the first month of the year in the Amazigh calendar, a system that dates back over 3,000 years.
It is linked to the ascension of Sheshonq I to the throne of Egypt, an event etched in history and sacred texts.
This calendar, still in use in Morocco, remains a deep connection between indigenous communities and their ancient heritage.
Far from being a mere agricultural festival, Yennayer represents a moment of symbolic renewal, punctuated by natural cycles and community rituals.
Across Morocco, traditional calls echo: “Aseggas Ambarki,” “Aseggas Amaynou,” “Aseggas Ighoudan” – wishes for prosperity and happiness in the new year.
From Marginalization to Recognition
Historically, Amazigh identity was repressed in Morocco, with Arabization policies imposing Arabic as the sole language of communication and excluding Tamazight from the public space.
Successive generations of Amazigh children were punished for speaking their mother tongue at school and traditions were relegated to the status of folkloric relics.
This situation gradually changed, especially after the official recognition of the Tamazight language in 2011, followed by legislative measures to promote its culture and heritage.
In May 2023, King Mohammed VI signed a decree making Yennayer a national holiday, marking a major advancement for the rights of the Amazighs and the recognition of their culture in Morocco.
On the eve of Yennayer, families gather for symbolic meals. In the villages of the High Atlas, the smell of “ourkemen,” a mixture of seven varieties of cereals and legumes, fills the air. This traditional dish, slowly cooked, is believed to ensure prosperity and abundance throughout the year.
In the Ouirgane valley, families prepare couscous to fill the tables, while in Souss, the “tagoula” takes center stage. This dish, made with cornmeal or barley, is carefully cooked over a wood fire, and every culinary gesture is imbued with symbolism.
Tradition dictates that a date pit is hidden in the dish, a symbol of luck for the person who finds it.
Meals are just one aspect of the celebration: symbolic house cleaning, purification rituals using herbal smoke and sharing food with nature mark this sacred moment.
Yennayer is thus a collective festival of sharing, purification and renewal.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist.
Amazigh communities continue to struggle with socio-economic inequalities.
After independence, Morocco continued an Arabization policy that marginalized Berbers.
Land management systems were dismantled, and access to public services remains limited in many Amazigh regions.
The devastating earthquake of September 2023 highlighted the fragility of Amazigh villages, where infrastructure was inadequate and humanitarian aid was slow to arrive.
This tragedy underscored the gap between symbolic recognition and real equality, despite legislative advancements.
The Struggle for Language and Education
The Tamazight language, though now officially recognized, remains a battleground.
While Tamazight education has progressed, it remains insufficient to ensure real inclusion.
In many rural areas, children are still deprived of education in their native language, and the use of Tamazight in administrations remains sporadic.
The official status of the Tamazight language and culture is still in the implementation phase and activists such as Ahmed Assid point out the slow disappearance of the language, even though it is considered the living heart of Amazigh identity.
This year, Yennayer 2975, symbolizes both a cultural victory and a call for justice.
It is a moment of celebration but also a reminder of the struggles that remain.
As the bonfires continue to glow on the High Atlas Mountains, the Yennayer festival reminds us that, even in modernity, the cultural roots of the Amazigh people remain alive and strong, and that there is still much work to be done for this recognition to become real equality.
In every celebration, every shared meal, every story told around the fire, the Amazigh communities reaffirm their identity and resilience.
The road to equality is still full of obstacles, but with each passing year, Yennayer becomes a symbol of progress, dignity, and renewal for the Amazigh people of Morocco.
MK/te/lb/jn/APA