Morocco: Amazigh New Year gains recognition amid cultural revival

On January 13, Morocco’s Amazigh communities celebrated Yennayer 2975, the Amazigh New Year, with bonfires, feasts, and ancient traditions, marking the second year of official recognition following King Mohammed VI’s 2023 decree. The festival, rooted in agricultural and seasonal cycles, symbolizes cultural renewal and resilience after decades of marginalization.

Once suppressed under Morocco’s Arabization policies, Yennayer is now a national holiday, accompanied by increased government support for the Amazigh language and culture, including a 50% budget increase for language initiatives in 2023. However, challenges persist. While Tamazight gained official language status in 2011, its implementation remains uneven, with limited use in public administration and education.

The celebration reflects a growing acknowledgment of Amazigh identity, but it also highlights ongoing inequalities in infrastructure and development, particularly in rural areas. Yennayer stands as a testament to the Amazigh people’s enduring heritage and their push for full cultural and civic inclusion.