The Sebiba of Djanet is a Tuareg ritual of the Tassili n'Ajjer, in Algeria's Deep South, in which two historic quarters of the oasis face off in a contest of sword dances and songs. It takes place every year during the days of Ashura, at the start of the first month of the Islamic calendar. In 2027 the main day should fall around June 15, give or take a day.
The Sebiba, also spelled Sebeïba or S'beiba, has been on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage since 2014.
Origins and meaning of the Sebiba
According to the APS news agency, the Sebiba commemorates the people's joy after the prophet Musa (Moses) escaped Pharaoh's pursuit. It coincides with Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram.
The ritual brings together Djanet's two historic ksour (fortified villages), Zelouaz (or Azelouaz) and El Mihan (or El Mizane). Their rivalry is expressed through art rather than violence. UNESCO sees it as an important marker of Tuareg identity that strengthens social cohesion by turning potential violence into artistic competition.
The celebration ends with a symbolic battle scene between the warriors of the two ksour, called Aghelay N Outay. It closes with a pact that marks the passage into the new year.
How it unfolds: what you will see
The ritual stretches over about ten days. The first nine are a contest, called Timoulawine, used to choose the dancers and singers. The ritual itself takes place the following day.
On that day, according to UNESCO, the dancers dressed as warriors and the women singers make their way to a place called Loghya. The men parade and present their weapons, then form a circle, clinking their swords. The women sing traditional songs to the beat of tambourines.
| Moment | What you see |
|---|---|
| Timoulawine, the days before | Rehearsals and selection in each quarter |
| Day of Ashura | Warriors' parade, sword dance in a circle, women's songs |
| End of the day | Symbolic battle and pact between the two ksour |
The costumes, weapons, jewelry and instruments are made or repaired by Djanet's craftspeople. Elders pass the movements on directly to the young.
Dates and venues
The Sebiba follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its date moves back by about ten days each year.
| Year | Main day |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Early July |
| 2026 | Thursday, June 25, according to a travel agency's program |
| 2027 | Around June 15 (estimated date) |
The exact date of Ashura depends on the sighting of the moon and can vary by a day. The quarters hold their rehearsals in the preceding days: in 2026 they took place on June 23 and 24.
The festivities are held in the palm grove of Djanet, the gateway to the Tassili n'Ajjer.
Attending the Sebiba of Djanet
Safety
Djanet is close to the Libyan border. Read the map from France Diplomatie (the French foreign ministry's travel advice) before you book. Also check your own government's travel advice.
Watch out
According to France Diplomatie, travel to the border area with Libya is strongly advised against, and you cannot travel in the Algerian Sahara without a guide. You must go through a licensed agency, stay on the planned routes and follow escort instructions. Check the exact color of the Djanet area on the up-to-date map before you leave.
Visa and agency
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa for Algeria; that is the case for a French passport. For a tour of the Deep South, including Djanet, organized by a licensed agency, a visa can be issued on arrival, valid for up to 30 days. The agency sends you an authorization with a QR code. Check your case on our Algeria entry requirements page.
Getting there
Djanet has an airport. In 2026, a tour offered by an Algerian agency and featured by PATA included an evening direct flight from Algiers. This eight-day tour combined the festival with the Tassili: valleys, villages and rock engravings.
Heat
The Sebiba now falls in the height of the Saharan summer. In 2025, the festival director himself described attendance as “relatively low” because of the intense heat.
Our advice
Drink plenty, protect yourself from the sun and watch the rehearsals late in the day, when the heat eases. Pack light, covering clothes and a cheche (Tuareg scarf) or a hat.
Respecting the ritual
The Sebiba is a living rite, not a show for tourists. Stay back from the dancers' circle, and ask before photographing anyone, especially women. Your guide will tell you where to stand.
For health, money and other regions, see our Algeria page and our calendar of festivals in Algeria.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Sebiba in 2027?
The main day falls on Ashura, estimated around June 15, 2027. The date may shift by a day depending on the sighting of the moon. Rehearsals start a few days before.
Can you go to Djanet on your own for the Sebiba?
No. France Diplomatie points out that you cannot travel in the Algerian Sahara without a guide. The visa on arrival for the Deep South also goes through a licensed agency.
Do you need a visa to attend the Sebiba?
For a French passport, yes: either a standard visa obtained from the consulate before you leave, or a visa issued on arrival for a tour organized by a licensed agency. For other nationalities, check your case on our Algeria entry requirements page.
