Festivals & Events

Republic Day is a national holiday in Armenia marking the anniversary of the short-lived First Armenian Republic in 1918, celebrated with fireworks, concerts, and parades. The Republic was declared in 1918, shortly after the Armenian genocide, and only a short while later, Armenia would become part of the Soviet empire and would not celebrate Republic Day again until 1988.

Every August, the town of Berd in the mountainous Tavush region holds a festival showcasing the best of its honey and berries, made into homemade products, crafts, and delectable dishes, pastries, sweets, and drinks.  This sweet festival attracts visitors from across the country and abroad, alike. 

A national tradition and one of the five main holidays of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Grape Blessing Day is a Christian holiday dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. The grape blessing is performed after the final liturgy and every present member receives blessed grape to take home. It is a tradition for Armenians not to eat grape that has not been blessed. 

The barbecued kebab, khorovats, is known as the king of all of Armenia's national dishes and is consumed on holidays, important events, birthdays and other celebrations. The annual Barbecue Festival is a tribute to this beloved dish, drawing cooks and hungry revelers from across the country to Akhtala town for a day replete with endless barbecue, exciting culinary competitions, and traditional songs and dances. 

The Taraz Festival held annually in Yerevan puts traditional Armenian clothing on full display. This exhibit of national dress is one of the brightest and most cultural festivals in the country. The event consists of two parts. The first part is an exhibition-fair, after which new collections of Armenian designers are presented.