Happy New Year: Algériens bring Yennayer festivities to Gatineau

Djeneba Dosso

Yennayer, the new year celebration observed by the Amazigh, an indigenous group from North Africa, has  been celebrated on January 12 since 1971. On Saturday, non-profit organization Amicale des Algériens au Canada (AAC) hosted their first Yennayer jubilation at Palais des Congrès. The holiday, which is based on unity, love and prosperity, was an opportunity for Algerians to bring their customs to Gatineau.

Growing up, Fatiha Benaicha’s fondest memories were those spent in her village celebrating the new year. She recalls dancing to vibrant songs of love, fertility, and prosperity, accompanied by tasty meals shared with family and loved ones. Today, she is the president of the AAC and aims to bring together the Algerian community in Gatineau.

“When I came to Canada, there were only 30,000 Algerians; now there are 150,000,” she said. “There’s change happening and, because we’re here, we want to pass this on to our children.”

For the AAC, this event was a chance to bring a piece of ‘back home’ to Canada. The festivity saw a great turnout of Algerians, North Africans and locals wanting to learn more about the Amazigh culture.

When they arrived, guests were greeted with beautiful traditional music and stuffed dates—a North African snack. Local vendors were lined up offering a variety of products such as Algerian olive oil, Arab perfumes, hijabs, henna, traditional paintings and jewelry. The day was also filled with performances from North African singers, dancers and musicians.

Khaled Belkebir of Sahara Savours has been bringing “Sahara’s finest” food to Ottawa and Gatineau since 2016. His shop caters to those wanting to taste the savours of North African cuisine.

“I’m happy to see that the whole community has come together to connect with our North African traditions and to see that the community is growing in the capital region,” he said.

This event reflects the AAC’s mission to grow the Algerian community in the Gatineau-Ottawa regions and help newcomers integrate into society.

When they arrive in Canada, the AAC will guide immigrants by helping them find housing, schools, setting up bank accounts and informing them of any foreign laws or cultural nuances.

“When I help people get settled here properly in a way that ensures that they don't have difficulties, that they stay in Canada and that they rejuvenate this society, I assume my role as a citizen,” said Benaicha.

The AAC only counts seven permanent members who fund the entirety of their operations alongside their president.

“Sometimes we solicit a few people from our community who participate in the small collection, but for the moment there is no grant or help.”

Nonetheless, limited funding has not stopped them from hosting events two to four times a year—the Yennayer being the first.

The AAC’s next event, hosted alongside Séfar Production, is scheduled to take place on March 2 in Laval. The Salon des Saveurs et Parfums d’Algérie will be an opportunity to discover the culinary and cultural treasures of Algeria. The exhibition will be a sensory experience with more than 70 vendors in attendance.

Despite the cold weather, hundreds of Gatineau residents made their way to Palais des Congrès to observe the Yennayer celebration. Benaicha is hopeful to see an even greater turnout in March.

Photo credits: Djeneba Dosso