Amazigh New Year in Algeria
Amazigh New Year, called Amenzu n Yennayer in Algeria, falls on January 12 and is a paid legal holiday. The law added it to Algeria’s list of legal holidays in 2018; its place in the calendar and its customs connect the day with Amazigh heritage and the agricultural year.[1][2][3]
A fixed date and national recognition
Algerian Law No. 18-12 added Amenzu n Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, to the list of legal holidays as a one-day observance on January 12. A government communiqué confirms that the day is chômée et payée—a paid day off—for staff in public institutions and administrations, public and private establishments and offices, and public and private enterprises, including hourly and daily paid workers.[1][2]
The government’s 2018 announcement described the holiday’s recognition as part of promoting Tamazight, Algeria’s Amazigh language, and strengthening national unity. That official framing makes Yennayer in Algeria both a calendar holiday and a public recognition of Amazigh culture.[3]
An agricultural new year
Yennayer is associated with the start of the agricultural year and the winter season. In the oasis communities of the Ksour Mountains in Naâma, the season is also linked to the end of the date harvest and to preparing for agricultural work; residents describe tending palms and irrigation channels as part of that seasonal cycle.[4]
Yennayer customs in the M’Zab region of Ghardaïa are tied to vegetation cycles, the winter season and care of date palms. Practices vary by region, so these examples should not be taken as a single national ritual.[3]
Meals and regional customs
Shared food is one documented part of the celebration. In Naâma, families gather for a festive dinner, and some serve mardoud, also called berkoukes, with vegetables and meat; cherchem, made from soaked and cooked wheat, is another Yennayer dish reported there. Families in some Ksour communities share food with neighbors and passersby.[4]
At a national event in Algiers, celebrations included couscous, rfiss and cherchem, alongside regional clothing, craft displays and parades. Celebrations in several provinces have also included cultural exhibitions, music, readings and activities organized by cultural institutions and associations.[3][5]
What to expect on the holiday
The paid holiday applies broadly to public and private sector staff. Institutions and businesses with shift-based services must make arrangements to keep those services running. Check with individual banks, shops or transport services before making plans.[2]
The law specifies January 12 as the holiday date.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Amazigh New Year in Algeria?
It is observed annually on January 12, the date named in Algeria’s legal holiday list.[1]
Is Yennayer a paid day off?
Yes. The government says it is a paid day off for staff across public and private institutions, offices and businesses, including hourly and daily paid workers.[2]
Do all services close?
Shift-based services must arrange for continuity. Check with individual banks, shops or transport services before making plans.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Amazigh New Year in Algeria:
- Journal Officiel Algérie- Journal officiel de la République algérienne démocratique et populaire
- Communiqué : A l’occasion d’Amenzu n Yennayer, jour de l’an Amazigh- Ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Sécurité Sociale
- Yennayer: Lancement des festivités de célébration dans plusieurs wilayas- Radio Algérienne
- Nâama: des traditions ancestrales marquent la célébration de Yennayer- Radio Algérienne
- Yennayer 2968 : lancement des festivités officielles à Alger- Radio Algérienne