The Commemoration of the Heroes The Armenian Church marks the holiday of St. Vardanants on Thursday preceding Fat Tuesday (Bun Barekendan) which is celebrated on the eve of the Great Lent. The Holy Vardanants festival is celebrated in memory of Armenian Commander Vardan Mamikonyan and his comrades-in-arms who martyred in the Battle of Avarayr against […]
Bun Barekendan
Festive Masquerade Barekendan is an old Armenian traditional festival that we are seeking to revive as a form of civil action by calling upon the citizens to “wake up” and become involved in social processions in Armenia. Word Barekendan derives from the two roots – “bari” which means “good” and “kendan” or “kendani” which means “alive” or “living”. […]
Saint Sargis – The Holiday of Lovers in Armenia
Meanwhile the lovers all over the world celebrate the day of St. Valentine on February 14, in Armenia people in love have the holiday devoted to their patron, general St. Sargis. This holiday is also announced as the day of the youth blessing. It is celebrated 63 days before the Easter, on a Saturday between the January […]
Celebration of Trndez (Candlemas Day)
On February 14, 40 days after Christmas, Armenian Apostolic Church and all Armenians celebrate “Tearnyndaraj” (Candlemas Day) or as people like to call it – Terndez. According to the Gospel 40 days after the birth of Christ Mary and Joseph took the baby to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and to consecrate to […]
Traditions of Christmas Celebration Why December 25th and January 6th
New Year is a time of the year when the “Box of Miracles” opens to grant everyone with love, kindness and dreams. It brings joy and enthusiasm spreading its lovely spirit over people’s homes. In addition to the New Year revelries and the pleasure of exchanging gifts Christian world celebrates also Christmas. Due to the […]
Kaghand – Armenian Santa Clouse
New Year is one of the most favorite holidays in the Armenian calendar of festivals to which both adults and children are looking forward with great expectations. During the centuries because of changes in the calendar this holiday which symbolizes the beginning of the year in Armenia lifestyle has had various names, such us “Navasard,” […]
New Year Expectations
It is already winter… Holiday preparations start along with coming of December; and all are enveloped by spirits of Christmas and anticipations for fairy tales. This comes to say that New Year is approaching. The Armenians formerly used to celebrate New Year in spring, along with the equalizing of day and night in March. By that time the […]
New Year Celebrations in Armenia
“Happy New Year” – this is one of the favourite and wide spread phrases among the Armenians so often heard at the New Year Celebrations. The ancient Armenians, together with all the peoples, had been celebrating the coming of the New Year in spring, as they prepared huge feasts to welcome and celebrate the zenith […]
The Great Lent
The period of 48 days, preceding the Easter, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, is the Great Lent. It begins on the Monday succeeding the Main Shrovetide, this year the 7th of March, and ends on the Easter Sunday, this year 24th of April. Shrovetide, in general, is the preceding day of fast, when only moderate […]
Vardavar: Armenian famous water festival
Vardavar, reborn with Christian faith, is one of Armenian national-religious holidays which has its deep roots in pagan era. It is celebrated on the 14th Sunday after Easter celebration during the period from 28 June to 1 October. In the pagan era this holiday was associated with Goddess of love named Astghik. According to tradition Astghik […]