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Rabat – Many across Morocco are celebrating the Amazigh New Year, known as “Idh Yennayer,” with vibrant cultural festivities marking the year 2975 in the Amazigh calendar.
Parades in various Moroccan cities showcase the richness and diversity of the country’s Amazigh heritage through music, dance, and traditional crafts.
The Mohammed El Mnouni Cultural Center in Meknes hosted a ceremony last night featuring performances of Ahwash and Ahidous, two iconic Amazigh art forms. The event featured a folk troupe that presented a variety of traditional dances and songs.
The evening opened with the Ahidous Imazighen Amzdouzan group, who performed mesmerizing rhythms and chants from the Middle Atlas region. Other highlights included performances by the Rways troupe, and Ahwash Najm Maamoura.
Casablanca joined the celebrations on Friday by opening a Moroccan craft village at Place Rachidi. Running from January 11 to 14, this initiative aims to showcase the creativity of traditional Moroccan artisans.
The displays feature a variety of handcrafted items, including carpets, jewelry, and pottery, which reflect the deep Amazigh roots within Moroccan culture.
According to Abdelatif Al-Nasiri, Deputy Mayor of Casablanca, the event highlights the richness of Morocco’s intangible Amazigh heritage. A rich program of cultural activities is also taking place throughout the city, including musical concerts and art exhibitions.
Morocco’s economic capital is also hosting performances by some of the most renowned Amazigh artists. Groups such as Ahwash Oud Tiznit and Ahwash Oud Imntouga are presenting traditional dances, while famous singers like Fatima Tihihit and the band Oudaden will perform in upcoming concerts.
On January 14, the Sbata Park will feature a traditional craft exhibition accompanied by Amazigh dances.
In Meknes, the event also celebrated iconic Amazigh artists, including Mohamed Aglal and Hassan Chaban, in recognition of their contributions to preserving and promoting Amazigh culture.
European diplomats, including ambassadors from Denmark, the UK, and the EU, attended the festivities.
The Amazigh New Year marks the beginning of the agricultural season. It symbolizes the deep connection between the Amazigh people and the land.
This celebration honors their historical ties to farming and recognizes the profound diversity of Morocco’s cultural fabric.
