Festivals

So much in Asia depends on the calendar. In February in Beijing, more than 20 million people all set off fireworks to celebrate Chinese New Year. In Nagaland in India, tribes from all over the region meet to compete, dance, and celebrate. In Thailand, spectators look on as celebrants perform bizarre rituals at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.   With an intimate and unique knowledge of Asian culture, Remote Lands knows the importance of experiencing culture the right way. Whether you want an up-close view of the Sing-Sing festival in the Asaro Valley of Papua New Guinea or a quiet walk through the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, Remote Lands can give travelers the best possible experience on their celebrations throughout Asia.
Constitution Day

Constitution Day

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.

Location Countrywide, Armenia

Spitak Earthquake Remembrance Day

Spitak Earthquake Remembrance Day

Between 25,000 and 50,000 were killed in the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, which leveled much of Armenia’s infrastructure, most notably in the cities of Spitak, Gyumri, now Vanadzor, and Stepanavan. Armenian Earthquake Memorial Day is recognized every year on the anniversary of the event on December 7 to remember the victims and aftermath of the earthquake. 

Location Countrywide, Armenia

Independence Day

Independence Day

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.

Location Countrywide, Armenia

Vardavar

Vardavar

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.

Location Countrywide, Armenia

Victory and Peace Day

Victory and Peace Day

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. 

Location Countrywide, Armenia

Easter

Easter

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.

Location Countrywide, Armenia

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.