The Amazigh New Year, also known as Yennayer, is a joyous and important holiday for the Amazigh people of North Africa. The Amazigh are an indigenous group with a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. The Amazigh homeland, called Tamazgha, extends across North Africa, from Morocco to Egypt and as far south as the lower limits of the Sahara in Niger and Mali.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Amazigh culture is the calendar, which is based on a historical event rather than a religious one. The Amazigh calendar begins at 950 B.C.E., corresponding to the year when the Amazigh king Shoshenq I reigned over the Pharaohs and the unification of Libya with Egypt. This means that the coming year of “2023” is actually the year 2973 in the Amazigh calendar. The date for Yennayer falls on January 14th (or sometimes the 12th or 13th) based on the Julian calendar, which was previously used to mark agricultural cycles.
The night before Yennayer is known as Thabbourth Aswegas, or the “door to the new year.” On this day, Amazigh communities gather to prepare traditional dishes and celebrate with music, dancing, and shared food and sweets. One of the most popular dishes served on Yennayer is couscous, often with seven vegetables, and a date pit is hidden in the couscous. The person who finds the date pit is believed to have good luck for the year ahead. Another traditional dish is tagulla, made of cracked corn or barley along with Argan oil, honey, and butter.
While each region has its own unique variations on the traditions of Yennayer, there is a central theme of bringing good luck and fortune to the year ahead. In addition to observing the new year, Yennayer is also a time for Amazigh people to come together and celebrate their shared identity, which has for decades been repressed in many parts of North Africa. This opportunity to honor their collective heritage is important for strengthening their communities and welcoming others to join in sharing the rich indigenous culture of North Africa.
In recent years, the Amazigh community in New England has grown significantly, and Eastern Massachusetts now has the highest density of Amazigh living in the United States. It is no surprise, then, that the biggest Amazigh event in the country is taking place in the city of Boston. The Amazigh American Network Organization (AANO) is hosting a celebration to mark the Amazigh New Year 2973 at the Center for Arts at the Armory in Somerville, Massachusetts on January 14, featuring live music from Kabyle region in northern Algeria, the Rif and Souss region of Morocco, traditional tea along with pastries will be served all day long as well as many other surprises.
This is a not-to-be-missed event for anyone interested in learning more about the rich indigenous culture of North Africa. Whether you are an Amazigh individual, family or simply someone interested in learning more about this ancient culture, the Amazigh New Year event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and learn more about one of the world’s most ancient cultures. This exclusive, once-a-year event is always a fan favorite, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance and take advantage of this opportunity to save 20% off of general admission by using the coupon code :AMAZIGH
As we approach the Amazigh New Year 2973, we wish Aseggas Ameggaz, or “happy year,” to all. May this year bring you joy, success, and all the blessings you desire. ⴰⵙⴳⴳⵯⴰⵙ ⴰⵎⴳⴳⴰⵙ.
$24 Deal Ticket are available at : www.eventbrite.com
(Free Admission for Kids under 15 years old)
