On the occasion of the celebrations of the Amazigh New Year, known as “Id-Yennayer”, which is now established as a paid public holiday for the second consecutive year, Marrakech, like several other cities in the Kingdom, sees its tourist establishments energize the cultural experience of visitors, through offers aimed at immersing them in a unique immersion in the heart of Amazigh traditions.
The Amazigh New Year, celebrated each year with fervor, has taken on a new dimension as a new public holiday mobilizing stakeholders in the tourism sector in several Moroccan cities, including Marrakech. On the night of January 13, several establishments have planned special events that highlight the rich Amazigh heritage, notably through musical performances by great artists and traditional dance performances.
With the growth of this cultural event, Marrakech becomes a showcase of Amazigh heritage, attracting a notable influx of foreign visitors eager to discover the specificities of Moroccan culture.
The benefits of this dynamic go beyond the simple commercial aspect. According to experts, these events help to highlight fundamental elements of Moroccan identity, particularly those linked to Amazigh heritage. Among them, unique practices such as Ahwache and Ahidous deserve special attention for their potential to obtain UNESCO recognition as Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Let’s dive into the origins of Id-Yennayer. This emblematic date is anchored in a significant event in the history of the Amazigh people, an indisputable historical fact which constitutes the starting point of their calendar. This choice focuses on the year 950 BC, a period when the Berber king Sheshonq, also known as Chichnaq I, acceded to the throne of Egypt, thus founding the 22nd dynasty which reigned until 715 BC . Id-Yennayer thus embodies the first milestone in Berber history, according to experts from the Berber Academy.
This festival, widely celebrated in North Africa, unites the entire Berber community in a cultural excitement. The Id-Yennayer festivities are characterized by a multitude of unique rituals, customs and traditions. Families gather around expertly prepared traditional dishes and attend artistic parades that highlight the richness and diversity of the Amazigh identity. It is a day that seals collective memory and celebrates a flamboyant heritage.
Id-Yennayer is an ancestral rite deeply rooted in North African culture. In the Amazigh language, “Yan” and “Ayyur” literally mean “the first month of the year”, highlighting the importance of this celebration which is closely linked to the agricultural practices of the Amazighs, who are mainly active in agriculture and livestock breeding. .
Linked to the cycles of nature, Id-Yennayer finds its origins in agricultural traditions dating back to Antiquity. The Berbers, considered an ancient society, documented by historians who once referred to them as “Libyans”, had the habit of organizing their calendar according to their seasonal activities. Thus, the New Year celebration was an opportunity to celebrate the harvests and express gratitude, with dishes carefully prepared using the products of the land.
Furthermore, the Id-Yennayer table, a true reflection of regional diversity, varies from one locality to another. Families gather around Ourkimen, a traditional Tafraout dish made from calves’ trotters, slowly simmered with various starchy foods overnight. They also savor Tagoulla or Tarwayt, an emblematic dish of Souss made from a puree of barley or corn semolina, garnished with olive oil, argan or amlou, and often delicately garnished with dates, almonds or walnuts. Each meal is thus a culinary celebration that celebrates the gifts of the earth and the richness of the Amazigh heritage.
