Armenian Festivals and Holidays
Yerevan Basics :
July 5: Constitution Day is an official national holiday in Armenia. The Constitution of the independent Republic of Armenia was adopted through a national referendum on July 5, 1995.
July: The Feast of Transfiguration in the form of Vardavar (“festival of water”) is the greatest holiday of the
summer, which is celebrated on the 14th Sunday after Easter. The word Vardavar has two meanings: “The flaming of the rose” and “to sprinkle with water”. Although now a Christian tradition, the ancient water festival is traditionally
associated with the pagan deity Astghik, the goddess of water, beauty, love and fertility, and was named “Vardavar” because she spread love by pouring rose-infused water. On this day, everyone joyously pours water on one another in celebration.
August: The Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary is a religious holiday devoted to the Mother of God, and is celebrated
on the Sunday falling closest to August 15. The traditional ceremony of
this holiday is the annual blessing of the grapes (khaghoghorhnerk) in the church, which coincides with the beginning of the harvest. The grape, being the first fruit of the harvest, symbolizes Christ, the first born (or first fruit) of the Virgin Mary. This feast honors her ascent to heaven.
September: The Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (Khachverats) on the Sunday nearest to September 14, which is devoted to the Holy Cross (Surb Khach). On this day, the church liturgy is marked with an antasdan service (blessing of the fields) during which the processional cross is adorned with basil—a symbol of royalty, and the four corners of the church are blessed as a sign of the sanctification of the world. This holiday also serves as a memorial day to those who have passed away.