Paris Celebrates Amazigh New Year 2975 with Vibrant Festivities

Under the glittering Parisian night, the event was a chance for Moroccan expatriates to share their cultural roots with their fellow French neighbors.

Fez – A lively and colorful evening lit up the Maison du Maroc in Paris on Saturday, in celebration of the Amazigh New Year, “Yennayer 2975”.

The event was an ode to the richness and diversity of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Organized by the Al Qantara association, a group of young Moroccan expatriates in France, in partnership with the Moroccan embassy and the consulates in Colombes, Villemomble, and Paris, the celebration brought together a large audience for an immersive look into Morocco’s Amazigh culture—a vital part of the nation’s multifaceted identity.

Samira Sitaïl, King Mohammed VI’s ambassador gave remarks at the event, in which he talked about the progress made since the monarch’s 2001 Ajdir Speech, which elevated the promotion of Amazigh culture to be a national priority.

She stated that no national culture can deny its historical roots, MAP reported, noting that Amazigh heritage is deeply embedded in Morocco’s history and civilization.

The ambassador recounted key milestones, including the establishment of the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) in 2001, dedicated to preserving and promoting Amazigh language and culture, and the introduction of Tamazight into schools in 2003.

She also recalled Tamazight’s recognition as an official language in Morocco’s 2011 constitutional reform, which created a framework for its integration into public life and state institutions.

Sitaïl commended King Mohammed VI’s decision to declare January 14, the Amazigh New Year, a national public holiday.

“This historic gesture transcends generations and invites all Moroccans to celebrate a date that holds deep meaning for our identity and culture,” she said.

She concluded with a wish for hope for a year of peace, prosperity, and solidarity for everyone, adding, “Let us continue to build a Morocco that takes pride in its diversity and finds unity and inspiration in its cultural heritage.”

The evening featured fashion shows with traditional Amazigh clothing, a crafts exhibition, dance performances, and concerts showcasing regional Amazigh music and instruments.

The festive atmosphere offered attendees a chance to explore the many facets of Morocco’s Amazigh heritage.

This celebration was part of a broader cultural initiative by the Al Qantara group, whose mission is to engage third and fourth generations of Moroccan expatriates with their home culture, while also sharing their traditions with residents of their new countries. “Our aim is to build bridges, foster cultural exchange, and honor Morocco’s rich heritage,” said Inès El Basri, president of Al Qantara, who also gave remarks at the festive event.