BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Following the joyous celebrations of Aid El fitre and Aid Al Adha, Algerians, like Muslims worldwide, eagerly embrace the festival of Mouloud. This auspicious occasion marks the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the 12th day of the lunar month “Rabie El awal.” In Algeria, this celebration is met with unparalleled enthusiasm, uniting families and communities in joyous traditions.
Throughout Algeria’s history, religious holidays have reaffirmed its deep connection to spiritual values and its commitment to preserving its identity. Notably, during the colonial period, these celebrations served as both a testament to national identity and a defense of Algerian values and religion.
The Mawlid celebration, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet (PBUH), is deeply rooted in Algerian culture. Historical accounts suggest that its origins trace back to Egypt in 972 AD, during the time of the Ayyoubiine and the Fathimites. The tradition then spread to the Maghreb and eventually reached southern Algeria, particularly in Béni-Abbès (wilaya of Béchar) and Adrar in the 16th century.
During this period, Mawlid was a grand annual event that brought together Algerians from all ethnic backgrounds. It was a time to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to strengthen their faith, promote peace, and preserve harmony. Eid served as a reminder of the Prophet’s teachings, which were passed down through generations. It also provided an opportunity to rekindle one’s faith.
The Mawlid festivities were divided into two stages. The first stage, dedicated to the nativity of the Prophet (PBUH), was celebrated in various ksours and cities. The second stage, held a week later, centered around the celebration of baptism known as “the Sboue.” Mosques and religious congregations played a central role during this period, where orators recounted the virtues of the Holy Prophet and recited the Holy Quran.
Mawlid was a time for lighting candles, gifting children, performing circumcisions, and honoring those who memorized 60 Quranic verses. Today, this celebration has firmly embedded itself in Algerian culture, with each region of the country having its own unique traditions.
Mawlid Ennabawi Celebrations in Algeria: Traditions, Rituals, Festivities, and Culinary Delights
The Islamic Ummah celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with deep reverence. Algerians adorn their homes with colorful lights and green flags, symbolizing their love for the Last Prophet. They revel with friends and relatives, extend charitable gifts to the less fortunate, and participate in heartwarming traditions.
On the night of the Prophet’s birth, Algerians immerse themselves in festive spirit. They exchange greetings in person and through digital means, sharing messages, images, voice notes, and videos.
Families gather to savor a traditional Algerian meal, accompanied by the warm glow of candlelight throughout their homes. As the sun sets, the streets come alive with the laughter of children setting off firecrackers and fireworks, transforming cities into magical wonderlands. Housewives illuminate their homes with candles, some families gather for tea, while girls take to the terraces to sing and celebrate.
For some, the Mawlid is a time for circumcisions, where children don traditional attire and partake in henna ceremonies, filled with aromatic scents and candlelight.
On the actual day of Mouloud, Algerians typically enjoy “tamina,” a sweet semolina dessert mixed with honey for breakfast. Traditionally, this dish is prepared after childbirth, serving as nourishment for mothers and a sharing of joyous news with relatives.
While common Mouloud practices unite Algeria, regional variations add unique flavors to the celebration, especially when it comes to cuisine.
In Algiers, “Rechta” takes center stage on Mouloud day—a dish of fine noodles drenched in a creamy white sauce and often accompanied by chicken. In eastern Algeria, “chakhchouka” graces the tables, consisting of crumbled semolina paste topped with a vibrant red sauce and served with meat. Additionally, “la trida,” made from thin square pasta drizzled with white sauce and accompanied by meat or chicken, is also a popular choice.
Western Algeria, on the other hand, celebrates with “berkoukes,” pasta shaped like large grains of couscous in a rich red sauce with meat.
The Mawlid Ennabaoui Echarif celebration holds special significance in Tlemcen due to its deeply rooted family traditions. Mosques and zaouias draw large crowds during this religious event, where young Quran learners recite the Prophet’s hadiths solemnly. Imams, in their sermons, expound on the meaning and importance of Mawlid for the Muslim community.
In Béni Snous, a village near Tlemcen, the population commemorates the feast with traditional piety and spiritual communion. Mosque vigils extend into the dawn, accompanied by Quranic chants. Children dressed in traditional garb sing religious songs, filling the streets with echoes of devotion.
Moving to southern Algeria, Sahrawi people prefer couscous and camel meat during their Mawlid celebrations. However, two provinces in southern Algeria, Adrar and Béchar, stand out for their unique ways of celebrating Mouloud.
In the regions of Touat, Gourara, and Tidikelt within the Adrar province, the “Sboû of Mawlid Ennabaoui” is celebrated, denoting the 7th day. This festival has been classified as intangible world heritage by UNESCO. Folklore troupes, with their songs and dances typical of the region, transform this celebration into a captivating spectacle for tourists. The region’s hospitable inhabitants open their homes to visitors, offering meals and accommodation.
In Béni-Abèss, within the Béchar province, the “Fezaâ” takes center stage, attracting numerous national tourists. The villagers convert their homes into lodging for visitors, and entertainment is provided by groups known as “Shab el baroud” (baroud meaning gunpowder).
Apart from religious ceremonies like daily Quran recitations and Dikr sessions in mosques and Quranic schools, competitions are organized, with the top three Quran reciters being rewarded.
In Béchar, Mouloud Ennabawi is a deeply spiritual time. The faithful gather in mosques or zaouïas for Quranic recitations, prayers, and panegyric songs honoring the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Travel agencies also organize trips and dinners during the Mouloud celebration.
In Algiers, dinners hosted in Casbah houses come alive with Andalusian or chaabi music groups, immersing attendees in a purely traditional atmosphere. Modern restaurants in Algiers participate by offering traditional dishes on the evening of Mouloud.
In a similar vein, various travel agencies arrange accommodations and dining experiences during the Mouloud celebration. In Algiers, homes in the Casbah host dinners with lively Andalusian or chaabi music performances, immersing guests in a truly authentic traditional ambiance.
Furthermore, contemporary restaurants in Algiers have embraced the celebration by featuring traditional cuisine on their Mouloud evening menus. As for travel options, the primary focus is on trips to southern Algeria, particularly in Adrar and Béchar provinces, where the main festivities take place.
