Category: Events

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Navasard

Navasard, the Armenian calendar’s first month.
The Navasard month has had 30 days which started on 11 August and ended on 9 September.
For ancient Armenians, the first day of Navasard (11 August) has been a social gatherings, festivals and celebrations day throughout history.
The Navasardian god in Armenian mythology was considered the protector of the crops and the feeder of the hungry.
His statue is currently standing in Bagavan, which is today considered a sanctuary to Pagans. Continue reading “Navasard”

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Vardavar

Vardavar or Vartavar is an Armenian festival in Armenia where people of social groups drench each other with water.

Although now a Christian tradition, celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (the Feast of Transfiguration), Vardavar’s history dates back to pagan times. The ancient festival is traditionally associated with the goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water, beauty, love and fertility. The festivities associated with this religious observance of Astghik were named “Vartavar” because Armenians offered her roses as a celebration, this is why it was celebrated in the harvest time.

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Golden Apricot

The Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival (GAIFF) is an annual film festival held in Yerevan, Armenia.
The festival was founded in 2004 with the co-operation of the “Golden Apricot” Fund for Cinema Development, the Armenian Association of Film Critics and Cinema Journalists.

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Dolma Festival

20 May marks the celebration of one of the most delicious intangible cultural assets of Armenia: Dolma. A traditional Armenian dish made of ground beef, lamb and spices, wrapped in grape leaves; dolma is served in ceramic dishes with sides of rice and greens. It is queen, amongst the many gastronomical delights of the Armenian people.

Tastes vary due to individual variations on the recipes, and a jury will decide who makes the best dolma out of twenty pavilions of chefs from leading restaurants in Armenia, seasoned housewives from around the country and representatives of the Greek and Ukrainian communities. Continue reading “Dolma Festival”