S’biba of Djanet to be classified as intangible cultural heritage of humanity

The feast of S'biba celebrated every Ashura, by the population of Djanet (province of Illizi) will be classified, in November, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco, said Saturday in Mascara the Director of the National Centre of prehistoric, anthropological and historical research (CNRPAH) Slimane Hachi.
He told APS that the Algerian proposal for the classification by UNESCO of this thousand year old popular event as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity will have a positive outcome.
"The CNRPAH was entrusted by the Ministry of Culture to follow up the file of the Algerian Intangible Cultural Heritage presented last year at UNESCO, a complete record of the S'biba that has been studied by the UN specialized agency. A positive response is expected to be announced in November," said Slimane Hachi.
S'biba is an annual festival that draws its origin on the ancient history of war fought between the two main Tuareg tribes of Tassili N’ Ajjers. Peace pact was sealed after years of fighting.
The event, rich in rhythms, movements and colors brings together both k’sours overlooking the town of Djanet. It is marked by friendly jousting between their inhabitants and dancing to the beats of drums.
Warriors in full regalia play scenes of wars being fought, centuries ago, between the tribes of the region. Peace is established after the intervention of the wise.