Morocco: Amazigh New Year Becomes Official National Holiday

King Mohammed VI of Morocco decided to declare the first day of the Amazigh year as a national paid holiday in line with the constitution which gives an official character to the language alongside Arabic, the Royal Household said in a statement on Wednesday.

Morocco gave the language an official character in 2011 and the new decision “consecrates the constitution,” said the statement.

Morocco has also announced 300 million dirhams as a budget dedicated to promote Amazigh and its inclusion in the administration this year.

Morocco celebrates the first day of the Hijira muslim calendar and the first day of the Gregorian calendar as official holidays.

The Amazigh new year is usually celebrated with special dishes that underscore the attachment of Moroccans to their lands. It is also called Hagouza in Arab speaking Moroccan regions.