Amazigh (Berber) Culture in Morocco: Language, Traditions and Where to Experience It

The short answer: the Amazigh (often called Berbers) are the indigenous people of North Africa. In Morocco, Amazigh heritage runs through the whole population; about a quarter of Moroccans speak an Amazigh language at home, mainly in the Atlas, the Rif, the Souss and the south. Tamazight has been an official language since 2011, written in the Tifinagh script. You meet Amazigh culture in mountain villages, desert camps, weekly markets, rugs, jewellery and music.

A name that means free people

"Amazigh" (plural Imazighen) is usually translated as "free people". Many prefer it to "Berber", which comes from the Greek and Latin word for foreigners, although Moroccans use both. The Amazigh lived in North Africa long before the Arab arrival in the 7th century, and the great medieval dynasties of Morocco, the Almoravids and Almohads, were Amazigh.

Language and script

Tifinagh letters, such as the symbol ⵣ (yaz), appear on public buildings next to Arabic and French. Two words to learn: "azul" (hello) and "tanmirt" (thank you). More in our guide to Moroccan languages.

Traditions you can see

• Yennayer. The Amazigh new year, around 13 January, has been an official public holiday in Morocco since 2024. Families share a special meal of couscous or porridge.
• Music and dance. Ahwash circles in the High Atlas and Souss, Ahidous lines in the Middle Atlas, with drums and call-and-response singing. Desert camps often end the night with drumming.
• Crafts. Rugs woven by women with symbolic motifs (see our rugs guide), silver jewellery from Tiznit, pottery and henna designs.
• Architecture. Earthen kasbahs and ksour, and fortified collective granaries (igoudar) in the Anti-Atlas.
• Festivals. The Imilchil marriage festival in the Middle Atlas, held in late summer, is the best known.

Where to experience Amazigh culture

• Atlas villages: a walk and lunch with a family around Imlil; see our Imlil day trip.
• Weekly markets: such as Asni on Saturday or Tnine Ourika on Monday; see the Ourika guide.
• The road to the Sahara: kasbahs, the Dades Valley and nomad families around Merzouga, on our 3 day Sahara tour.
• Museums: the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts in the Majorelle Garden.

Visiting respectfully

Ask before photographing people, dress modestly in villages, accept tea when invited, and buy directly from cooperatives so money reaches the makers. Our etiquette guide has more tips, and our drivers, many from Amazigh families themselves, are happy to explain their culture on the road.