Date: Friday, January 10, 2025
Category: Culture
Algiers – The second channel of Algerian Radio organized a special program on Thursday at its headquarters in Algiers to celebrate “Yennayer 2975.” Academics and researchers in heritage and Amazigh culture participated in the event, discussing various topics related to the symbols and traditions of the first day of the Amazigh agricultural calendar.
Broadcast from the Aïssa Massoudi Hall of Algerian Radio under the theme “Yennayer: A Reflection of Our History and an Inspiration for Our Future,” the program aired live from 10 a.m. to noon on the second channel and 27 regional radio stations.
The session welcomed prominent guests, including Professor and Director of the National Center for Prehistoric, Anthropological, and Historical Research, Slimane Hachi, and cultural anthropology researcher Louiza Ghaliz. It was attended by the Director General of Algerian Radio, Adel Selaghji, the director of the second channel, Majid Farhati, other Algerian Radio directors, and Si El Hachemi Assad, Secretary-General of the High Commission for Amazighity.
Other participants included heritage researcher Tarek Mebarki, journalist-researcher Iman Qassi Moussa, UNESCO assistant researcher Dr. Ramadan Touati, heritage researcher and Amazigh language inspector from Tamanrasset, Mohamed Hamza, and heritage scholar Abdullah Ben Daoud.
Through in-person and video contributions, the speakers explored topics such as Yennayer as a national and official holiday, the depth, authenticity, and diversity of Amazigh culture—particularly Algerian heritage listed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity—and the link between Yennayer and sustainable development.
Discussions also delved into traditional Yennayer rituals in the Aurès region, the symbolic connection between women and land, the cultural significance of Yennayer for the Tuareg, and how Yennayer is celebrated in the Chenoua region of Tipaza.
Folk music ensembles such as “Thousna,” “Tighri Nat Mathous,” and “Idbalen Ikholf Nath Abbas,” along with the “Amelloulin” association promoting traditional burnous attire, enriched the celebration.
Two art exhibitions were also held during the event. Visual arts professor Zaman Saad Bekhoush and National School of Fine Arts professor Zerga Mohand Amokrane displayed their work to the public, which had gathered to partake in the Yennayer 2975 festivities.
The hall of Aïssa Massoudi was adorned with displays of traditional crafts, textiles, baskets, oils, natural cosmetics, wool products, and more. Exhibitors from various Algerian cities showcased their artisanal creations, adding to the festive atmosphere.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
