Home Armenian Holidays and Traditions
Armenian Holidays and Traditions
New Year
January 1, 2- New Year – is celebrated a whole week after the holiday which starts on December 31, by baking New Year cookies and with a table laden with food and different kind of sweets. During this week people exchange gifts with congratulations and their houses are open to welcome everyone. New Year in Armenia is celebrated traditionally, as in many countries, with Father Frost and Snow Maiden. The whole family gets together around the table and celebrates New Year. Family members give each other gifts. Then the young go to discos, walk in the squares of large cities. The older generation likes to watch traditional holiday concerts on TV.
National Army Day
January 28– National Army Day – Armenian National Army was created in 1992. This is the professional holiday of the troops of all arms of the Armed Forces of Armenia. The Armenians have been celebrating "Army Day" since 2001, by the decree of Armenian second President Robert Kocharian. On this very day in 1992 the establishment of the Armenian army was proclaimed.
Women’s Day
March 8– Women’s Day – International Day of Women is very popular among Armenians. All women get presents and flowers from their family, friends and colleagues. March 8 - "International Women's Day", a celebration of spring and a day when special great attention is given to the women. On this day, men as well as young men and boys, do not forget about women and girls that surround them at home, at work, in educational institutions, etc. First spring flowers are presented to women and girls on that day - tulips, daffodils and lilies of the valley, the representatives of a strong half of mankind give attention, care and love to their loved ones.
Day of Maternity and Beauty
April 7 –Day of Maternity and Beauty – This day is also dedicated to women. Mothers receive gifts and flowers from their children. The period from March 8th to April 7th is considered the Month of Women. On April 7, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates one of the most important feasts - the Annunciation. According to the Bible, on this day the angels proclaimed the Virgin Mary about the birth of Jesus Christ. By the Order of the Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II Feast of the Annunciation proclaimed to be a day of blessing of motherhood. On this day in all Armenian churches the rite of blessing of mothers is performed. On this day man congratulate their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives and brides.
Victory and Peace Day
May 9– Victory and Peace Day – The Victory of World War II and the Memorial for its dead is an official holiday in Armenia. On this day the heroes of WW II march through the Republic Square. The Armenian people, together with the other peoples of the former USSR, made a significant contribution to the fight against the Nazi invaders. May 9 is one of the most favorite and loved holidays celebrated in Armenia.
The Armenian nation is justly proud of the fact that the Motherland gave four Marshals of the Soviet Union and one Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union. About 60 Armenian generals were in command of large units of the Red Army. 70 thousand Armenian soldiers, officers and generals were awarded orders and medals for courage and bravery. 27 Armenians became Holders of the Order of Glory. 103 Armenians were awarded Hero of the Soviet Union. Nelson Stepanyan- legendary pilot, hero of the Baltic Sky and Marshal Hovhannes Baghramyan became Twice Hero of the Soviet Union. It is a tradition to congratulate veterans of the Great Patriotic War on this day, lay flowers and wreaths at the monument to fallen soldiers. A required attribute is fireworke in honor of the Victory.
Day of the First Republic
May 28 –Day of the First Republic – In 1918 the Republic of Armenia restored its statehood after half a millennium of lost sovereignty. "Day of Yerkrapah" - a celebration of all the members of “Yerkrapah” (Union of Volunteers RA). This holiday has been celebrated in Armenia every year since 2001. The second informal name of the holiday is "The Day of the liberation of Shushi." On this day in 1992 a military operation was carried out, as a result of which Shushi was liberated. In terms of organization and implementation, the operation was perfect and unique in the Armenian military art of warfare which made a radical change in the course of the Karabakh national liberation struggle.
Constitution Day
July 5– Constitution Day. – The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia was adopted through a national referendum on July 5, 1995. The Armenian Constitution was adopted on July 5, 1995 in a national referendum. In 2005, the Constitution was amended, which was approved in a national referendum on 27 November.
Independence Day
September 21- Independence Day – The third Republic of Armenia announced the results of a national referendum on secession from Soviet Union in 1991. The whole Armenia celebrates the Independence Day on September 21. On this day, in 1991, the people of Armenia voted for their independence from the Soviet Union on the national referendum. Armenia was one of the countries of the Soviet Union since 1921. Formally, the Republic of Armenia gained independence on December 26 of the same year due to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Armenian Holidays and Traditions
Armenia’s holidays and traditions are a rich blend of ancient customs, Christian heritage, and modern influences. They reflect the country’s deep respect for family, culture, and faith.
Religious Holidays
Christmas (January 6)
• Armenia celebrates Christmas on January 6, combining it with the Feast of the Epiphany.
• The tradition includes a special church service, followed by a festive family meal featuring fish, rice, and red wine.
Easter (Zatik)
• One of the most important religious celebrations, marking the resurrection of Christ.
• Families dye eggs red (symbolizing Christ’s blood), bake special bread, and attend church services.
Vardavar (Transfiguration of Christ)
• A beloved summer festival with roots in pagan traditions, now tied to the Transfiguration of Jesus.
• People splash water on each other in a joyful celebration of purification and renewal.
Grape Blessing Festival
• Held in August, this is a Christian tradition linked to the harvest season.
• Grapes are blessed in churches and enjoyed as a symbol of prosperity.
National Holidays
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day (April 24)
• A solemn day to honor the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.
• Thousands of people visit the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan to lay flowers and pay their respects.
Independence Day (September 21)
• Marks Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
• Celebrated with parades, concerts, and fireworks across the country.
Victory and Peace Day (May 9)
• Commemorates the victory in World War II, honoring Armenian contributions to the Allied forces.
• Includes military parades and tributes to veterans.
Traditional Festivals
Trndez (Purification of the Virgin Mary)
• Celebrated in February, it is a joyous festival with pre-Christian roots.
• Couples and families jump over bonfires as a symbol of purification and good luck.
Harvest Festival (Ttuy Yerkatak)
• Celebrates the agricultural roots of Armenia.
• Features traditional food, music, and dancing, with offerings of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables.
Family Traditions
Armenian Weddings
• Armenian weddings are grand, joyful celebrations filled with traditional music, dances, and elaborate feasts.
• The bride and groom often wear crowns during the church ceremony, symbolizing their union as king and queen of their new family.
Hospitality
• Hospitality is a cornerstone of Armenian culture. Guests are treated with exceptional warmth, often greeted with bread, salt, and fruits.
• Sharing a meal is considered a gesture of friendship and respect.
Name Days and Birthdays
• In addition to birthdays, Armenians celebrate name days, which are linked to the feast days of saints after whom a person is named.
Seasonal Traditions
Winter
• New Year’s Eve (Amanor): Families gather for a grand feast, and children receive gifts from Gaghant Baba (the Armenian equivalent of Santa Claus).
• Traditional dishes include dried fruits, nuts, and a variety of homemade pastries.
Spring
• Barekendan: The Armenian version of Carnival, marking the beginning of Lent. It is a time of feasting and merriment.
Autumn
• Wine Festivals: Held in regions like Areni, showcasing Armenia’s ancient winemaking heritage. Visitors enjoy wine tastings, music, and local crafts.
Unique Traditions
Blessing of the Cross (Khachverats)
• A ceremony in the Armenian Apostolic Church that celebrates the Holy Cross, often accompanied by prayers and community gatherings.
Tolma Festival
• A celebration of Armenian cuisine, particularly tolma, a dish of stuffed grape leaves.
• Visitors enjoy traditional dishes, folk music, and dancing.
Armenian Duduk and Dance
• Festivals often include performances of the duduk, a UNESCO-recognized instrument, accompanied by traditional dances like Kochari and Shalakho.
Armenian holidays and traditions are a vibrant expression of the nation’s enduring identity, blending ancient roots with modern celebrations.