Happy Amazigh New Year  Yennayer 2026 in Morocco

At MarrakechTips, we love sharing the traditions that give Morocco its soul. One of the most meaningful cultural celebrations you may experience during your winter visit is Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year.

Whether you are staying in Marrakech, exploring the Atlas Mountains, or traveling through rural villages, Yennayer offers a beautiful insight into Morocco’s deep-rooted heritage.

Yennayer 2026 in Morocco: What Travelers Should Know

In 2026, Yennayer is celebrated on January 14 and sometimes 13  across Morocco and North Africa. Unlike festivals designed for tourists, Yennayer is a family-centered celebration, making it a special time to witness authentic Moroccan life.

Amazigh families gather at home to share food, stories, and hopes for the year ahead. If you are traveling during this period, you may notice a warmer, more reflective atmosphere especially in Amazigh regions around the south east and High Atlas, Ourika Valley, Imlil, and rural countryside.

Traditional Yennayer Food: Tagola

One of the most important traditions of Yennayer is preparing tagola a simple yet symbolic dish made from wheat and honey.  or couscous with 7 different vegetables in the south east for example we put a date inside and the one who finds it is the lucky one for the whole year.

For Amazigh families, these ingredients represent:

  • Prosperity

  • Fertility

  • A good harvest

Food plays a central role in Moroccan culture, and Yennayer meals are about sharing, gratitude, and community values travelers often say they feel deeply during their stay in Morocco.

sauteed dish served on plate

The Amazigh Calendar: A Living Heritage

Yennayer 2026 marks the beginning of the Amazigh year 2976. The Amazigh calendar is based on nature and agricultural seasons, not religion. Its origin is traditionally linked to the Amazigh king Chachnaq (Shoshenq I) and symbolizes renewal and strength.

What makes Morocco unique is how seamlessly people live with three calendars:

  • The Gregorian calendar

  • The Islamic calendar

  • The Amazigh calendar

Along with this comes the use of Tamazight, Arabic, and Latin scripts, a reflection of Morocco’s rich and layered identity.

How to Say Happy Amazigh New Year in Morocco

If you are visiting Morocco during Yennayer, you can greet locals by saying:

Aseggas Ameggaz

This Tamazight greeting means Happy New Year and is always appreciated when shared with sincerity.

a man in a blue and black outfit holding a stick

Experience Amazigh Culture During Your Morocco Trip

At MarrakechTips, we believe travel is about understanding culture, not just visiting places. During Yennayer, travelers have a unique opportunity to:

  • Discover Amazigh traditions in the Atlas Mountains

  • Share meals with local families

  • Learn about rural life, agriculture, and seasonal rhythms

  • Experience Morocco beyond the tourist routes

Hassan, who is Amazigh himself, is always happy to share stories, traditions, and everyday insights during your journey through Morocco.

Yennayer and Travel Tips for January

  • January is a great time to explore Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and nearby valleys

  • Evenings can be cold—bring warm layers, especially in rural areas

  • Cultural respect goes a long way: observing, listening, and learning is the best way to experience Yennayer

For now, from all of us at MarrakechTips, we wish you a wonderful Amazigh New Year.

Aseggas Ameggaz.

Colorful Berber flag waving in Merzouga desert, Morocco, accentuated by rustic wooden structures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yennayer

What is Yennayer?
Yennayer is the Amazigh New Year, marking the beginning of the agricultural year and celebrated across Morocco and North Africa.

When is Yennayer celebrated in 2026?
Yennayer 2026 is celebrated on or around January 14, depending on local traditions.

Can travelers experience Yennayer in Morocco?
Yes. While it is mainly a family celebration, travelers may experience Yennayer through local food, cultural encounters, and visits to Amazigh regions.

Is Yennayer a religious holiday?
No. Yennayer is a cultural celebration, not a religious one.

How do you say Happy Amazigh New Year?
In Tamazight, you say: Aseggas Ameggaz.