The amazigh or the Berber community in Morocco have a rich cultural heritage. Song and dance forms an integral part of it .The Amazigh New Year is one opportunity for them to re-connect with traditional music and dances from the various parts of Morocco.
“We sing and dance Ahwach and Ahidous to celebrate the New Year. We consider this art as a passion like a god sent good. This art was left to us by our ancestors and we are keen to preserve it,” Ali Azarraf, Band leader
There is also a traditional meal known as the couscous dish which also forms part of the festivities. Served in huge dishes the meal is shared among several people.
“People are celebrating by preparing couscous. They used to put couscous on top of tents in the Middle Atlas. If the grains of couscous are dispersed, they say that some devout people eat it and that the year will be good”.Ali Azarraf, Band leader
Unlike the Christian and Islamic calendars, the Amazigh one has no religious affiliation. Many academic researchers link it to the seasonal cycle for agriculture. Amazighs are considered to be the first inhabitants of Morocco and are keen to preserve their culture.
In the past, the Amazigh culture and language were marginalised and reduced to mere folklore, things have change in recent years. Their culture and language is now recognised in the constitution .
“We are happy with what we achieved for the Amazighs but we are asking for more. We want our language to benefit from the same rights Arabic has because it is an official language and we also insist on the fact that 13 January should be made a national public bank holiday,” Hassan El-Kaissi, Chairman of the local Addour Association
More festivities are planned over the next few days in various parts of Morocco, where there is a concentration of Berbers.
