And the Moroccan royal court announced on Wednesday evening that King Mohammed VI had approved the Amazigh New Year as a public holiday to be paid in the kingdom.
The statement said that the Moroccan monarch gave his directives to Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to take the necessary steps to activate the decision to approve the Amazigh New Year as an official national holiday.
The Amazighs of Morocco celebrate the Amazigh New Year on January 13 every year, and this year corresponds to the year 2973 of the Amazigh calendar.
On this occasion, rituals and customs inherited for hundreds of years are revived to celebrate the land and its riches.
An extension of royal initiatives
The components of the Amazigh movement in Morocco described the decision to grant a public holiday on the occasion of the Amazigh New Year, similar to the Hijri and Gregorian New Years, as a “historic” decision which responds to the demands of activists of the Amazigh cause.
Amazigh activist and adviser in charge of the Amazigh file in the cabinet of the presidency of the government, Amina Ben Cheikh, says that the decision to adopt the Amazigh new year is in line with the royal initiatives which pay particular attention to the language Amazigh, which is one of the components of Moroccan identity.
Ben Sheikh added in a statement to “Sky News Arabia” that the royal initiatives were launched since 2001 in the royal speech in Ajdir (northern Morocco), and after that the creation of the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture, then official recognition of the Amazigh language in the 2011 constitution.
The spokesperson considers that the royal decision confirms that the activation of the official character of Amazigh in various fields is on the right track, and gives impetus to the Amazigh movement in order to continue the fight for other achievements.
Historical decision
Amazighs in Morocco have been calling for the approval of the Amazigh New Year as an official holiday for years, especially since the adoption of the Amazigh language as the official language of the country along with the Arabic language in the 2011 constitution. However, this demand is remained stagnant. while the debate on this subject is renewed on the occasion of the New Year celebrations.
The national coordinator of the Amazigh League for Human Rights, Boubacar Onguer, believes that the royal decision is a “historic and wise” decision that is in line with the spirit of the Moroccan constitution, which reflects the diversity of Moroccan culture. in all its components.
Onger continued, in a statement to “Sky News Arabia”, that this decision has a very symbolic meaning, and is considered as a clear message confirming the continuation of the Moroccan monarch in the reforming approach he has adopted since his ascension to the throne. throne.
The Amazigh activist calls for the consultation of all political and civil forces to ensure the success of the process of activating the official character of the Amazigh language, and to accelerate the implementation of the regulatory law relating to the Amazigh language and its integration in various areas of life.
Symbolism of “January metabolism”
The Amazighs of Morocco are keen to celebrate the Amazigh New Year, “January Metabolism” or “Hakouza” every year, preparing special dishes for this occasion and reviving customs and traditions that emphasize the attachment and attachment to the land.
Along with popular festive rituals, academic meetings and seminars are also organized to present the Amazigh culture and talk about the symbolism of the celebration of this occasion.
Amazigh culture researcher, Al-Hussein Al-Boyaqoubi, says the celebration of the Amazigh New Year in Morocco and North Africa in general represents a celebration of the land and its riches, and highlights the strength of the relationship. that binds man to the earth.
And Al-Bayaqoubi continues on “Sky News Arabia”, that this ancient tradition confirms the attachment of Moroccans to their identity and their roots, as well as the extent of the kingdom’s history and the diversity of its culture and its genuine components.
The Amazigh scholar points out that the decision to adopt the Amazigh New Year as an official paid holiday and a national holiday will give new impetus to these celebrations, which are popularly and officially adopted.
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