The Amazigh people, an indigenous group with a deep-rooted history in North Africa, honor Yennayer as a time of renewal, community, and cultural pride. This ancient celebration, observed across the Amazigh homeland of North Africa, Tamazgha (stretching from Morocco to Egypt and into the Sahara), is based on the Amazigh calendar, which begins with the reign of the Amazigh king Shoshenq I in 950 B.C.E. The night before Yennayer, known as Thabbourth Aswegas or the “door to the new year,” is traditionally marked by gatherings, special meals, music, and dance.

Boston’s celebration of Yennayer will bring together Amazigh communities from all across the U.S to share their traditions and offer a taste of their unique culture. Attendees can expect live music from the Kabyle region of Algeria and the Rif and Souss regions of Morocco, as well as from the Touareg region adding a rhythmic heartbeat to the festivities. The event will also include traditional tea, delicious Amazigh pastries, workshops, traditional food tasting and a variety of surprises throughout the day.

One of the highlights of Yennayer is the preparation of traditional dishes like couscous with seven vegetables and tagulla, a dish made from cracked corn or barley, Argan oil, honey, and butter. These foods symbolize good luck and prosperity for the year ahead, and the celebration will include many other elements that reflect Amazigh cultural heritage.

As the Amazigh community continues to grow in New England, this event represents a powerful moment of unity and cultural pride. It’s not only a chance for Amazigh people to celebrate their heritage but also an opportunity for the wider community to experience the festive and learn about one of the oldest cultures in the world.

This family-friendly event is open to everyone interested in exploring the rich traditions of the Amazigh people. Tickets for the celebration are available on zeffy for only $30, with free admission for children under 15. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance to secure your seat as the event is always sold out.

Join us in welcoming the Amazigh New Year 2975 here in Boston with joy and warmth. As we say in Amazigh, “Aseggas Ameggaz” — Happy New Year! May it bring joy, success, and all the blessings you seek.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit zeffy.

Among the thought-provoking contributions is a study by Mena B. Lafkioui, Pluricentricity, Iconisation, and Instrumentalisation of Language in North Africa and its Diaspora, available for download here.  Lafkioui’s work examines the pivotal “role of Tamazight in shaping “Amazighness” — the translocal Amazigh group identity — which has been influenced by various social, political, and historical factors.” The concept of linguistic ‘pluricentricity’ plays a significant role in fostering this identity, despite the dominance of other languages in daily interactions.

Lafkioui’s study highlights that discussions on Amazigh identity continue to center on Tamazight, emphasizing its deep ethnic significance. However, there has been a noticeable shift in recent years, particularly in the way Tamazight is perceived alongside Darija dialect. This shift is largely driven by governmental efforts to instrumentalize Tamazight following its official recognition in Morocco and Algeria, combined with ongoing Arabisation policies. Yet, despite these efforts, the push for Arabisation has not succeeded in replacing Tamazight and Darija with Standard Arabic as originally intended, leading to a phenomenon described as ‘Darijation’.

The study also delves into how language not only expresses but actively shapes culture through what Lafkioui terms ‘conventionalised heteroglossia’. Language is presented as a key element in both traditional and modern cultural practices, underscoring its dynamic role in the formation and expression of cultural identity.

This publication is an important contribution to the understanding of pluricentric languages and offers a unique lens on the linguistic and cultural complexities of North Africa and beyond.

Academia

The Amazigh Film Festival is an esteemed occasion that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the Amazigh people, primarily residing in North Africa. It serves as a platform for Amazigh filmmakers to showcase their work, exploring themes related to identity, cultural heritage, social issues, and the contemporary challenges faced by Amazigh communities.

The festival’s mission is to promote and celebrate North African Amazigh culture by offering documentaries and films created by Amazigh artists, directors, and producers, subtitled in English, to various Anglophone audiences in America. Each year, a selection of the best productions from Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, the Canary Islands (Guanches), the Sahara Desert, Mali, and Niger (Tuareg people) is presented in Los Angeles, New York, and now, Boston.

Throughout the festival, a diverse array of films, including feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animations, will be presented to the audience. These films delve into the intricacies of Amazigh culture, shedding light on their unique traditions, languages, and historical experiences. The festival not only serves as an entertainment showcase but also as a means to foster a deeper understanding of the Amazigh way of life.

In addition to film screenings, the Amazigh Film Festival includes panel discussions and small workshops, complemented by refreshments and live Amazigh music. This comprehensive cultural experience offers filmmakers, artists, scholars, and the audience opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and gain a deeper appreciation for Amazigh arts and culture.

By creating a space for dialogue and promoting Amazigh cinema on an international stage, the festival contributes to the preservation and promotion of Amazigh identity. It brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the richness of Amazigh culture and offers a valuable platform for the global recognition of Amazigh contributions to the world of cinema.

The collaboration between the East Coast American Amazigh Network Organization and the West Coast Tazzla Institute for Cultural Diversity marks an important milestone in the promotion of Amazigh culture in the United States. Together, they aim to create an unforgettable experience for audiences in Boston and beyond, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Amazigh cinema.

Register Now and Secure Your Spot!

Best of all, the event is FREE and open to the general public! Reserve your spot now and be a part of the Amazigh Film Festival experience!

Secure your spot Register Here

For more information and updates on the Amazigh Film Festival in Boston, stay tuned to the official channels of the East Coast American Amazigh Network Organization and the West Coast Tazzla Institute for Cultural Diversity.

A Tradition Since the Early 2000s:
Join the vibrant Amazigh community in the U.S. for a tradition that has stood the test of time since the mid 2000s. This event serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Amazigh people, showcasing their rich history and cultural significance.

Enlightening Presentations and Rhythmic Beats:
The evening will be filled with enlightening presentations on Amazigh culture and language, offering a golden opportunity to explore the intricate tapestry of this ancient civilization. The stage will come alive with the rhythmic beats of live music featuring renowned artists and band such as Nomidian band, Soufiane, Ahcen and Mmuh from Algerian Kabyle tribe, Aksel from the Rif, Houari art, and Raiss Abdo of Morocco Souss region We also have a big surprise guest that will leave you in awe. Experience the enchanting allure of folkloric dances that echo the traditions of the Amazigh people.

Traditional Tea and Homemade Sweets:
Savor the authentic flavors of the Amazigh culture with traditional tea and homemade sweets served throughout the night. Meals will be provided for kids and who ever need. These delightful treats will add an extra layer of joy to the festivities, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all attendees.

A Journey into Ancient and Captivating Cultures:
Whether you’re a seasoned Amazigh culture enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore, this event is not to be missed. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into one of the world’s most ancient and captivating cultures.

Join Us for an Evening of Learning and Entertainment:
Don’t miss out on this cultural extravaganza! Join us on January 13th for an evening of learning, entertainment, and the warm welcome of the Amazigh community. Mark your calendars and be part of a celebration that transcends borders and brings people together in the spirit of unity and appreciation.

This event is made possible by the generous support of Omar Financials, and we’re grateful for their contribution to the cultural richness and unity of the Amazigh community.

Purchase Your Tickets Here: Buy Presale Tickets

This is an event you won’t want to miss! Click the link above to grab your presale tickets and be part of an unforgettable cultural celebration. See you there for an unforgettable experience!

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)

Come join this unique event to be held on October 9th 2022 in the city of Revere, Massachusetts.

The festival organized by AICCO is an effort to bring the Amazigh community living in the New England area together.

The event will include fun and free activities for everyone, such as live Amazigh music and discussions, there will also be complimentary refreshments.

The event is entirely free of charge, but seating is limited, so remember to come early to ensure you get a seat.

Dozens of people are expected to protest at “la place de la bourse” on September 24 in support of all Amazigh political prisoners including Kamira Nait Sid, women and Amazigh rights defender, arrested on 25 August 2021 for eight charges including “undermining national unity and state security” and “belonging to a terrorist organization” on September 1. She could be facing ten years to life imprisonment and/or the death penalty.

At least 300 activists are currently in detention in Algeria since 1 March 2019 in connection with the peaceful movement, according to the National Committee for the Liberation of Detainees (CNLD), a local watchdog group.

Almost half of the detainees are members of the Movement for the self determination of Kabylie (MAK), a movement seeking the Self-Determination of Kabylia that the Algerian government considers a terrorist organization.

These prosecutions are the latest in the Algerian authorities’ ongoing repression of rights defenders and targeting of journalists and prominent figures in MAK. However, this is the first time that terrorism-related charges are being used. Other charges include also “offending public bodies” and “defamation”, under articles 146 and 298 of the Penal Cod

Iwa festival is a two days of cultural music and dance performances by local Amazigh and international artists as well as many other side activities . You can register for this free-to-attend event here.

Melilla is a Spanish exclave in North Africa, on the Moroccan side of the Mediterranean.

Tweets by IwaFest

The 5th edition of the festival will take place from April 23 until May 15, 2022, at multiple venues across the city. Activities includes conferences, films, exhibitions, poetry and much more.

For more information about festival, call the numbers listed in the poster.

Starting April 29, Bombino will perform at various venues and festivals in California, Ohio, New York and other cities in the US.

Bombino, whose given name is Goumour Almoctar, was born in Tidene, Niger, an encampment of nomadic Tuaregs northeast of Agadez. His musical career has taken shape against the backdrop of his participation in various Tuareg rebellions since 1980.