Armenian festivals: Locals and Tourists Start to Look forward to Them
Like any other country that seeks to demonstrate its touristic attractiveness, Armenia, too, does it by the means of unique festivals. Many festivals with the participation of warm and hospitable people have become a tradition in Armenia, a country of centuries- old history and culture. The festivals are an attempt to unveil the unique traditions, dishes and sights specific for each community. “Armenpress” has gathered the most beloved Armenian festivals in one place.
For already 4 years Jermuk resort city hosts “Little snowman” festival in mid February, which is one of the best options of winter active leisure.
Yerevan residents enjoy “Winter festival-Armenia” for a couple of days, the most memorable part of which is the Santa Claus running. This brings together people of different age and sex who have passion for running and adventures.
Cooks and restaurant complexes in the city of Abovyan prepare seafood dishes for visitors, as Spring brings alond new festivals. It is scheduled to take place on 11 April.
Enthusiasts of traditional and innovative Dolma recipes may attend the “Dolma Festival” which will take place on May 16 in the Sardarapat Memorial of Armavir Province.
Many festivals come along with summer vacations. Eco-tours will be organized from Gomk-Martiros communites of Vayotz Dzor, as part of the new “Ecotourism Festival” on June 4 and 5. The organizers have prepared a program full of adventures for the participants.
The “Sheep-shearing” festival will take place on June 6 in the village of Halidzor,Syunik, where participants will have the chance to witness the sheep shearing competition. The festival is organized by the IDEA Foundation. It promises to provide not only good mood, but also the opportunity to visit the centuries-old “Tatev” monastery via the world’s longest cable car.
The “Bread in Mountains” festival will bring to life the history and culture of bread baking on June 13. Traditionally, the festival is held in Yerevan during which a rich collection of traditional Armenian dishes are displayed.The “Mulberry Festival” will be held on the 3rd Saturday of June near the Amaras monastery in Artsakh. A similar festival is held in Goris, Syunik, which aims to introduce the distillation and tasting of mulberry vodka (July 4).
The “Goods of Syunik” festival will be held on July 2, which will include various products from different communities, traditional dishes, women’s handicrafts, and local dance groups will provide a festive mood.
Traditional Armenian costumes are displayed at a separate festival, and the pagan new year is celebrated at the “Navasard Festival”
“Golden Apricot” is one of the popular film festivals of Armenia, which every year brings to Armenia time-honored and rising stars of world cinema.
“Carpet festival” will be organized in mid-August in Dilijan city of Tavush Province.
Honey and Berry Festival makes the Soran Park of Berd city in Tavush Province crowded. The visitors can acquire pure honey and curative berries specific only for this region. Already in September “Barbeque festival” is held in Akhtala city of Lori Province.
Wine lovers can attend wine festivals on September 30 and October 1 in Rind and Areni communities of Vayots Dzor Province. Wine tasting and familiarization with Armenian wine traditions are the inseparable part of the events. It can be found in the works of Greek ancient philosopher Strabo parts indicating that wine was already popular in Armenia back in 400s BC.
Second city of Armenia, Gyumri, will host the event dedicated to Armenian duduk.
