‘WINTER FESTIVAL 2009′ TO START ON 19 DECEMBER IN YEREVAN

ArmInfo
2009-12-09 20:44:00

ArmInfo. Yerevan will be celebrating its very own Winterfest, an
initiative by the NGO Kanachstan, with the support of Armenia’s culture
and economy ministries. The festival’s aim is to have people take an
interest in a clean, well-taken care of and beautiful environment
during the winter season, as well as promote the development of
wintertime activities and recreation in Armenia.

The festival kicks off with a winter parade taking place along main
streets in central Yerevan, wrapping up in Lovers’ Park. Organizers
have planned for similar parades to take place in the regions and
towns outside of Yerevan.

Beginning from December 19, and for the duration of the festival
(until Armenia celebrates Epiphany on January 6), decorated Christmas
trees, which showcase New Year celebrations from different countries,
will be on display in Lovers’ Park.

A number of other events are planned to take place during the festival:
a concert, winter games, a figure skating performance, a seasonal
marketplace, as well as a theatrical performance of the nativity
scene to take place on the evening of January 5, 2010.

The head of Tourism Department under Armenian Economy Ministry, Mekhak
Apresyan, said at today’s press-conference that similar festivals
promote development of alternative tourism in Armenia and are directed
to popularization of the active rest in winter and development of
winter sports. He also added that prolongation of the tourist season
in winter is one of the key tasks of the department. For his part,
the partner of Deem Communications company, Raffi Nizibleyan, said
that this year 3,5-4 thsd people are expected to participate in the
festival. He hopes that in future the festival will cover the whole
territory of Armenia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress