The protests were mostly peaceful but as crowds receded by late afternoon, scuffles broke out in the capital Algiers between police and protesters near the presidential palace, witnesses said.
One person died, according to a local official. Local media said it was a 60-year-old man who suffered a heart attack.
Several protesters and policemen were wounded during clashes in Algiers, state television said. News website TSA put the number of wounded at 63, citing official figures. It said 45 people were detained.
A sea of demonstrators, young and old, had thronged the streets after Friday prayers, chanting “Bye, bye Bouteflika!” and “Peaceful! Peaceful!” Many were draped in the Algerian flag and carried placards and banners.
After hours of marching, many protesters began walking home but some stayed on, dancing and singing.
“This is a celebration, not a protest. We are celebrating Algeria’s rebirth,” said Ali Selmi. “It’s like the end of a football match and Algeria won 3-0.”
Mohammed Saadi, another young man, said: “Our battle will continue until we win.”
Bouteflika, who will turn 82 on Saturday, has not directly addressed the protests. The authorities said last week he would travel to Geneva for unspecified medical checks, although there was no official confirmation he had traveled.
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