Traditional Festivals in Armenia

Traveling is for sure an exciting activity. What makes it even more interesting, is to visit a country during traditional festivals and celebrations. There are many traditional festivals in Armenia that you would not want to miss. Some of them come from old times, some of them are relatively new. But we guarantee, that any of the festivals that you will be lucky to attend will be one of the most memorable and joyful experiences in your life. Here is the list of traditional festivals in Armenia, that will make you feel the Armenian spirit and collect the best memories.

Wine festivals in Armenia

Wine culture is very developed in Armenia. Alongside with cognac, wine is also a very popular drink that you will find in every traditional Armenian feast. Armenian winemaking culture started in the cages of Areni village. 

Armenians love wine, and of course they celebrate it in the most festive way. There are 2 big wine festivals in Armenia, that you would not want to miss.

Areni wine festival

This festival takes place in Areni village (VayotsDzor region) every year on first Saturday of October. And every year thousands of people participate in this unforgettable celebration of Armenian wine, food, music, dances, traditions. You will immediately feel the Armenian spirit as you will listen to some performances, dance and celebrate with locals (believe us, they will make you dance).

During your stay in Areni, don’t forget to visit the Birds’ cave – the most popular attraction of this village. Archeologists found the oldest winery here, which makes Areni wine festival even more important. Here you will see how ancient Armenians lived and made wine.

Yerevan wine days

Yerevan wine days is a two-day long festival organized in May. It takes place in a capital of Armenia, Yerevan, in beautiful Saryan street, which is known for its countless wine restaurants. For two days this street becomes a great gathering place for wine lovers from all over the world.

Here, you will have an opportunity to try the finest wines that were produced in Armenia and Artsakh, and of course, pair it with delicious national food, that also is presented in this festival by the local restaurants.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about Armenian culture, and feel the vibe of the capital city.

Jazz day in Yerevan

If you are a Jazz lover, you definitely should attend the Jazz festival in Yerevan. Every year, on International Jazz day (April 30) many people gather in Cascade Complex, to enjoy an amazing open-air concert.

Jazz is very popular in Armenia, and you will be surprised of how many great and talented Jazz musicians there are in this country. You will have an opportunity to listen to great bands and individual performers from Armenia and popular international Jazz artists. 

The Jazz concert in Cascade Complex is free of charge.

Vardavar

One of the most popular traditional festivals in Armenia is Vardavar. It is a unique festival which is celebrated all over Armenia in July. This is a fun activity where people go outside, and drench each other with water. Friends, strangers, kids, elders, everyone gets drenched on this day.

It is a Christian tradition, which celebrates the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. But Vardavar’s history dates back to pagan times. It is associated with Armenian goddess Astghik. She is a goddess of water, fertility, beauty and love. In celebration of her, people were offering her roses. Rose in Armenian is “Vard”, that’s why the name of the festival is Vardavar.

Vardavar is one of the most favorite festivals for Armenians of all ages. It is fun, unique and helps to cool down on a very hot summer season in Armenia.

Yerevan Taraz Fest

Yerevan Taraz festival is an event, which celebrates national costumes every year in summertime. The name of Armenian national costume is Taraz. This traditional festival’s purpose is to introduce people to ancient culture in different regions of Armenia through national clothing pieces.

Taraz of each Armenian region differs from the others. The reasons are different climates, also different classes and families. All of this gives each taraz its uniqueness.

This traditional festival takes place in Yerevan, Northern Avenue and consists of two parts. First part is the exhibition of national costumes from different countries. Second part is the presentation of clothing collections from Armenian fashion designers, where they mix modern ideas and ancient Armenian Taraz elements.

Mulberry Festival

Mulberry is one of the most popular and favorite berries of Armenia. It is very delicious and versatile. Mulberry festival is happening in Syunik Region, where the mulberry vodka was first made . 

Every year, 6 of July, people from all over Armenia gather in Carahunge village to learn from locals the many ways to use mulberry. Villagers are experts in it, and will show participants how to make mulberry vodka, jams, how to sundry them, how to make different traditional dishes with mulberry. Also how to make sour mulberry Lavash; how to make Doshab, which is a medical sweet syrup to heal the cough.

All of these interesting activities are traditionally accompanied by national Armenian music and dances.

The participation is free. You can buy many locally produced organic goods (sweets, mulberry vodka and other souvenirs).

“HayBuis” Armenian Herb Festival

“HayBuis” is a festival in Armenia dedicated to herbs and flowers. It was organized in 2015, and since then, every year on June 30 it takes a place in Yenokavan village, Tavush region.

The purpose of this festival is to introduce people to the big variety of Armenian herbs and plants, and how to make them useful in our daily life and in benefit of the country.

During the festival participants will have an opportunity to attend master classes, in which they will learn how to use plants in different fields, such as culinary, art, architecture, handicraft, medicine and so on. Also, the festival organizes educational games, lectures about healthy lifestyle, ecology, development of environmental thinking. This festival is a great example of ecotourism.

The list of traditional festivals in Armenia is endless. There are many interesting festivals, which help to understand the nation’s culture and traditions. Being outside of the city, camping, hiking, attending this type of festivals is a great way to explore Armenia and learn more about its beautiful nature.

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