Amazigh New Year 2025
Date: January 12, 2025 (Sunday)
Country: Algeria Public Holidays
Description
Amazigh New Year, called Yennayer, is the start of the Amazigh calendar. It marks a new year for the Amazigh people, who are an indigenous group living across Algeria and North Africa.
It takes place every year on January 12. In Algeria the date is a public holiday. The day follows an ancient timekeeping system that farmers and communities used to know the seasons and plan their year.
The holiday is important because it honors Amazigh history, language, and identity. It reminds people of their roots and shared past. For many it is a moment of pride and cultural recognition within Algerian society.
Yennayer also helps pass knowledge from older generations to younger ones. It keeps alive stories, names, and ways of thinking that belong to the Amazigh people. This makes the holiday both personal and national in meaning.
Traditions
Families gather in homes to cook and eat together. Big plates of couscous, tagines, roasted meat, dates and fresh fruits are shared. Elders get the first portion and guests are welcomed with tea and sweets.
People wear bright traditional clothing and jewelry. Groups sing old Amazigh songs while playing drums and flutes. Men and women join circle dances called ahidus in villages and towns, clapping and moving together to the beat.
Some families sow barley or wheat seeds at home or near fields for luck and a good harvest. Others light small bonfires or candles, and give bread or food to neighbors and the poor as a sign of sharing.
Children may get small gifts and sweets. Friends visit each other, exchange greetings, and take time to remember ancestors by visiting family graves or speaking about relatives who passed away.
Travel Tips
During Amazigh New Year expect banks, many government offices, and some shops or museums to be closed or have short hours. Transport, especially buses and trains, can be busier. Book tickets and accommodation early and carry some cash for small vendors.
Join public celebrations to share the day, but ask before taking photos and follow local crowd rules. Stay in well lit areas, keep your belongings secure, and travel in pairs or groups when possible. Check hotel or local tourist office for event schedules and safety updates.