The celebration of Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, takes on a new dimension in Algeria with the long-awaited announcement by the General Directorate of Civil Service and Administrative Reform. An official press release confirmed that the day of Sunday January 12, 2025, marking Yennayer, will be paid and off-duty. This decision delights civil servants and workers in all sectors, reinforcing the importance of this national holiday recognized for several years.
Yennayer, celebrated every year on January 12, is a symbol of Amazigh identity and heritage in Algeria. The recognition of this day as a national holiday is a measure that demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting the country’s cultural traditions. This year again, Yennayer Day will provide a well-deserved break for employees of public institutions, private companies, as well as workers paid by the hour or the day.
The official press release specifies that this measure concerns all staff of public institutions and administrations, public and private establishments and offices, as well as companies in all sectors and legal statuses. This universal recognition of Yennayer guarantees a day of rest for employees, allowing them to celebrate this event with family or in their community.
The decision falls within the framework of law 63-278 of July 26, 1963, amended and supplemented, which establishes the list of legal holidays in Algeria. The inclusion of Yennayer in this list underlines the cultural and historical importance of this celebration. By making the day non-working and paid, the government ensures a balance between the preservation of traditions and respect for workers’ rights.
However, the continuity of essential services remains a priority. The press release insists on the fact that the institutions, administrations, establishments, offices and companies concerned must take the necessary measures to guarantee the continuity of services, particularly those organized in shift work mode. This means that vital sectors, such as health, security and transport, will remain operational, ensuring a minimum service to meet the urgent needs of the population.
This announcement arouses great satisfaction among civil servants and workers in general. Yennayer is a festival deeply rooted in Algerian culture, marking the beginning of the Amazigh agricultural calendar. It is celebrated with traditional meals, family gatherings, and festivities that highlight the richness of Amazigh heritage.
The establishment of Yennayer as a paid public holiday in recent years reflects a continuing effort to promote national unity and cultural diversity. By granting all workers a day of rest, the government shows its commitment to respect and value all components of Algerian identity.
-Ultimately, the announcement of Yennayer as a paid day off is excellent news for civil servants and workers in Algeria. It not only allows us to celebrate an ancestral tradition, but also to strengthen the feeling of belonging to a nation rich in its cultural diversity. This measure, which also guarantees the continuity of essential services, demonstrates a judicious balance between respect for traditions and professional responsibilities.
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