Sebeiba — Ashura festival (UNESCO heritage)
Traditional and popular parties · Djanet, Algeria
The festival
In the oasis of Djanet, at the foot of the Tasili n'Ajjer, the Sebeïba transforms an old rivalry into a peace festival. During the first month of the Muslim lunar calendar, the two communities of El Mihan and Zelouaz compete in artistic competition: nine days of contests, Timoulawin, then the ritual itself at the place called Loghya. The warrior dancers clique their swords in circles, while the singers wear traditional songs at the rhythm of the drummer.
In 2014, the Sebeiba was registered by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and is a strong marker of the Touarag identity of the Algerian Sahara.
Good to know
Festival registered with UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage (2014). Lunar date: Achoura, 10 muharram.