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.

This festival celebrates the dolma, one of Armenia's most beloved traditional dish, and takes place in a different place in the country each year. Dolma is stuffed grape leaves with a variety of fillings, most typically rice, vegetables, and minced meat. At the Dolma Festival, renowned cooks and home cooks alike prepare their signature dolma and participate in a tasting competition. Nearly 60 different types of dolma was presented at the 5th festival. 

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.