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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.
Traditions
Traditions and customs of the Armenian people, formed during many centuries, are our pride. Temperamental and hot-tempered, but at the same time good-natured and open, Armenians are very affectionate of their children, strongly respect family values. Armenian family has always been remarkable for being firm, and even in the modern world’s conditions Armenians manage to maintain their marriages firm thanks to strong family ties and mutual respect.
The modern Armenian family consists, as a rule, of 4-5 people. However, in villages children of all brothers who live together are considered brothers and sisters, and the mother treats her own children and children of her brother-in-law with the same love and affection. Housekeeping is traditionally the responsibility of the elder woman in the house, and her authority is considered higher than that of the man.
Respectfulness towards elders, regard and deference of them are also traditional for Armenians. The opinion of the elders is always taken into consideration; seniors play a significant role in the solution of important family issues. It is considered indecent to speak loudly or to smoke in the presence of seniors. If an elderly man enters the house, young people should stand up as a sign of respect and only sit down again after their senior’s invitation.
Wedding ceremonies, which still accompany most of the weddings, especially in villages, are considered one of the most beautiful ones. In the past, weddings used to last “7 days and 7 nights”, however today their duration is much shorter. As a rule, young people got married with their parents’ consent. Although if the girl’s parent were against the marriage, the young man, previously arranging it with his loved girl, organized her kidnapping and married her in secret. After that the parents could only accept the fact.
The Armenian people have been known for their hospitality, warmth and peacefulness. The local people pleasantly surprise tourists with their sincerity and generosity. Friendliness towards guests, unselfishness and candidness has always been and still is characteristic of Armenians.
People in Armenia have preserved their amazing heartfulness, decency and honesty.
You will be able to learn more about all of these and other customs and traditions of the Armenian people during your stay in the most hospitable country in the world.