Today we wish our Amazigh brothers and sisters a happy and meaningful year 2972! The title above, written in the Amazigh script (Tifinagh), reads as Aseggas Ammeggaz, meaning “happy new year.”

Yennayer - Yen (one) and Ayur (month) - is the first day of the first month of the Amazigh New Year, falling on January 13. Based on the Julian agrarian calendar, Yennayer marks the beginning of the winter solstice. While temperatures can be at their lowest, the days are slowly lengthening again in the sun's embrace. Yennayer also coincides with the flowering of almond trees, a symbol for prosperity and the start of agricultural activities. 

The history of Yennayer traces back to 950 BCE, when the Amazigh nation defeated the reigning pharaoh of Egypt, establishing a new monarchy (under King Shoshenq I) that ruled from Libya to Egypt.

Yennayer celebrations revolve around themes of rejuvenation, wealth, family, children, the environment, and harmony with nature. Amazigh villages host parades featuring traditional music and dress, while families play joyful music - with Ahwach and Ahidouss songs about love, fertility, and prosperity - and gather around large feasts.

Traditionally, a luxurious seven-vegetable couscous is made for the occasion, prepared the evening before, on Id Suggas (new year’s eve). A date pit (Aghermi/Ighs), almond, or stone is hidden within the couscous, and it is believed that whoever finds it will be blessed all year. Different regions boast their own speciality dishes, such as Rfissa or Ourikmen - a dish made of starchy foods - in the Tafraout region, south of Morocco.  

A full stomach on Yennayer is the symbol of a year ahead blessed with plenitude and success. Even insects and birds are included in the festivities, as it is customary for women to leave crumbs outside so that all beings may be prosperous.

Imazighen are still awaiting official recognition of the holiday by the Moroccan government. Although Morocco created the Royal Institute for Amazigh Culture in 2001 and has since recognized Tamazight (the Amazigh language) as an official language within the constitution, the country has yet to acknowledge Yennayer as a national holiday.

In honor of Yennayer, we invite you to explore our catalog of Amazigh artists and remixes below.