Festivals

This relatively new holiday celebrates the ratification of the Armenian constitution on July 5, 1995. After the fall of the Soviet Union, a draft of the constitution was presented to the government and political parties in 1992, but, due to opposition, it wasn’t until 1995 that Armenia managed to put to referendum a new constitution.

Celebrating independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 following the Soviet coup d'état attempt, also known as the August Coup, Independence Day is celebrated with a number of different events around the country, including military displays and political awards events. At varying years, a military parade is held in Republic Square in Yerevan, the capital.

A fun summer holiday, Vardavar features people splashing each other with water throughout the country. Although now a Christian tradition, celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, the festival is reputedly associated with pagan goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water. Buckets of water are thrown on strangers, at cars, and from balconies in celebration.

Celebrating victory over Nazi Germany, Armenia also recognizes the liberation of Shushi and the establishment of the Artsakh army on May 9. An official public holiday, the event is accompanied by military events, parades, and memorializes fallen soldiers, and fireworks are held in the evening. Other former soviet regions also celebrate May 9 as Victory and Peace Day. 

Easter festivals remain the most important religious celebrations in Armenia, with various observances from March 22 to April 26. Easter time, or Surb Zatik, in Armenia, celebrates the resurrection of the Christian Jesus Christ. One familiar tradition includes painting eggs red with natural ingredients, like onion layers. One required dish for an Armenian Easter is trout with red wine. For the youth, there is a tradition to gather near Yerevan churches for and dance traditional folk dances and singing.