Yennayer, or Berber New Year, is celebrated in Algeria every January 12. This holiday marks the first day of the new year in the Berber calendar, which is based on the Julian calendar and is 950 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. The celebration was officially recognized as a public holiday in Algeria in December 2017, acknowledging the Berbers as the largest ethnic minority in the country. Traditionally, Berbers celebrate Yennayer with a festive meal that often includes couscous with chicken or seven vegetables, along with region-specific dishes. The day symbolizes new beginnings, and it is customary for young boys to receive their first haircut on this day. Additionally, it is considered the start of the agricultural year, and marriages during this month are believed to lead to happy unions.