AVC Multimedia e-Book Series eBook#2: Exploring Yerevan A Look Inside the City | Page 59

Armenian Festivals and Holidays

Yerevan Basics :

September 21: On this day in 1991, the results of a national referendum on Armenia’s secession from the Soviet Union were announced. Independence Day of the Third Republic of Armenia commemorates the restoration of Armenia as a sovereign state after 70 years of Soviet rule.

October: Holy Translators Day (Targmanchats ton) is a religious holiday held on the second Saturday in October. Celebrating Armenian education and culture, the holiday is dedicated to the creation of the Armenian alphabet by Saints Mesrop Mashtots and Sahak Partev, which led to the

translation of the Holy Bible and other literary works by pioneers in the 5th century.

October: Yerevan Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of October. The celebration is

commonly referred to as "Erebouni-Yerevan", and was first organized in October 1968, marking the 2750th anniversary of the foundation of Yerevan. A park with 2750 fountains was founded

near the Republic Square. The celebration usually begins in the morning at the Erebouni Fortress Museum. A large performance titled “From Erebouni to Yerevan" is held, and a parade led by the figure of King Argishti moves towards the center of Yerevan. The celebration continues until midnight and is concluded with a concert at

the Republic Square

December 7: This is the Day of Remembrance for the

Victims of the 1988 Earthquake (Spitak Earthquake), which killed thousands of people

and

destroyed much of the Republic’s infrastructure.