This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
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At the initiative of the Al Qantara association, bringing together young people from the Moroccan diaspora in France, the event, organized in partnership with the Moroccan embassy and the consulates general of the Kingdom in Colombes, Villemomble and Paris, allowed the large public to attend this meeting, an immersion in Moroccan Amazigh culture, an essential component of the multifaceted national identity.
“Yennayer Ameggaz. Good year ! », Launched the Ambassador of His Majesty the King in Paris, Samira Sitaïl, kicking off the festivities of the evening marking the celebration of the Amazigh New Year.
During a speech on this occasion, Ms. Sitaïl recalled the progress made since the speech delivered by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in Ajdir in 2001, “a founding speech which elevated the promotion of Amazigh to the rank of national responsibility “, based on the conviction that no national culture can deny its historical roots, while Amazigh is present in all expressions of Moroccan history and civilization.
The diplomat mentioned in particular the launch of “a new era” with the opening the same year of the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) which has since worked on the creation and research on the dissemination of the language and Amazigh culture, in addition to the introduction in 2003 of Amazigh in education as a “decisive step which gave future generations the opportunity to learn and appropriate this linguistic heritage”, before its recognition as an official language of Morocco with the reform of the constitution in 2011.
“In addition to setting in stone the Amazigh tributary of Moroccan identity, the 2011 constitution represented a historic milestone which established a clear framework for its integration into public life and all state institutions” , noted Ms. Sitaïl who highly welcomed the decision of His Majesty the King to establish January 14 (Amazigh New Year) as an official national holiday in Morocco.
“This gesture transcends generations and invites all Moroccans to celebrate this meaningful date for our identity and our culture,” underlined the diplomat who shared with the audience the wish that “this year brings peace, prosperity and solidarity, to all, and that we continue to build a Morocco proud of its diversity, which finds in its cultural heritage a source of inspiration and unity.
And to conclude: “Let us all celebrate our roots together, this plural Morocco open to the world.”
In a festive and friendly atmosphere, the public was invited to discover or rediscover the different facets of Moroccan Amazigh culture through parades of traditional outfits, a craft exhibition, dance shows and concerts of traditional instruments, representing the different regions of Morocco.
This event celebrating the Amazigh New Year is part of a cultural project carried out by the Al Qantara association, targeting in particular the 3rd and 4th generations of Moroccans living abroad, and also friends of Morocco who are ” curious to discover our culture, our identity and our history,” said the president of this initiative, Inès El Basri.
Created by young people from the Moroccan diaspora in France, the Al Qantara association’s mission is to strengthen cultural bridges between Morocco and France.
Through its initiatives, it aims to promote cultural exchanges, celebrate multiple identities and promote Moroccan heritage.
