Southern Algeria in full celebration

Southern Algeria came alive on Monday with festive celebrations marking the Amazigh New Year, Yennayer 2976. Across the region, communities showcased their rich cultural heritage through lively events that blended education, tradition, and joy.

Lectures and workshops led by heritage experts highlighted the symbolism of Yennayer as the start of a new agricultural year, emphasizing the importance of preserving intangible traditions and passing them down to the next generation. Folklore performances, from dance to local songs, brought the streets and cultural centers to life, while craft fairs displayed the skill of artisans in pottery, weaving, silver jewelry, and palm and wood products a true feast for the senses.

Families and young people also joined cooking competitions, preparing traditional dishes like couscous, Mardoud Esrar, and Refis, which are more than food: they are symbols of good fortune and blessings for the new year. Evenings were filled with poetry and Amazigh songs, keeping the spirit of Yennayer alive.

These events offer a window into Algeria’s cultural diversity, strengthen social bonds, and give younger generations a hands-on connection to their heritage. Yennayer, they said, is not just a celebration it’s a living tapestry of family, tradition, and national pride.