From food celebrations to modern cultural events, Armenia’s festivals put the country’s heritage and playful spirit in the spotlight.
One of the oldest nations on Earth, Armenia has millennia of history and cultural heritage to shout about. The South Caucasian country’s striking mountain scenery, long-perfected culinary techniques and ancient traditions have all been designated their own festival, offering travellers an opportunity to learn about the destination while celebrating with locals. If you’d like to join the festivities, mark your calendar with these events.
Lattice lace stitched in traditional patterns is what you can expect every August at Taraz Fest. Named after Armenia’s traditional dress, this festival is divided into two fairs: one celebrates heritage designs, while the other sees contemporary designers reinterpret elements of the Taraz. This year, the event is set to pitch camp in Zvartnots cathedral, giving visitors the opportunity to also discover the town’s UNESCO-listed medieval heritage. More traditions are on show at the Navasard Armenian-Iranian Cultural Culinary Festival, celebrated every August in the town of Sisian. It marks the start of the ancient Armenian New Year, a day once observed with singing and dancing. Keeping with tradition, on 10 August, locals cook up ancient recipes and perform national songs and folk dances; the following day, festivities continue with stargazing at the archaeological site of Zorats Karer. Alternatively, head to "In the Mountains" Immersive Festival of Syunik History and Legends. You'll ride the Wings of Tatev cable-car before experiencing captivating performances, tours, artisanal masterclasses and more at the ninth-century Tatev Monastery.
Ensure you’re armed with a water gun for Vardavar. Originally associated with Astghik, the pagan goddess of water, this early-July festival sees participants take to the streets to drench each other with water — and no one is spared. Meanwhile, music fans should time their trip to coincide with Sevan International Music Festival, held every August around Lake Sevan, or the Armenia International Music Festival, a September fixture featuring well-known artists and emerging acts. Or, if you’d rather discover a new flick, come in July for the Golden Apricot International Film Festival: now in its 20th edition, it celebrates Armenia’s film industry by bringing some of the world’s best art house cinema to the capital. For full immersion into the country's cultural scene, opt for High Fest, held in Yerevan and Gyumri every October. This international performing arts festival runs the full artistic gamut, with shows ranging from contemporary dance and music to theatre and comedy.
More than 6,100 years of winemaking history draws connoisseurs and enthusiasts to Armenia’s wine festivals each year. The biggest is held every October in the village of Areni, where a procession of artisans parades to one of the world’s oldest wineries. There are more than 200 varieties to try, too, including wines made from indigenous grapes such as kharji and areni noir. Sample more of the country’s signature blends at the June Yerevan Wine Days, held along the capital’s Saryan Street, and August Dilijan Wine Festival, in the wine-growing region of Tavush. Beer-lovers are well-catered for, too: Armenians have been brewing the amber nectar since ancient times and celebrate it every summer at the Yerevan Beer Festival.
Many of Armenia’s local ingredients and signature dishes have dedicated annual events. In early July, representatives from more than 25 restaurants gather in Dilijan for Gastrofest, showcasing local recipes, competing in culinary face-offs and giving visitors the chance to become food critics for a weekend. If you have a sweet tooth, meanwhile, head to Khachik for Gata Festival, a festival that celebrates a regional sweet bread. You can even try your hand at foraging at Edible Plants in Armenian Cuisine, which sees locals scour the hillsides of the Lori region for plants and herbs. These wild greens are the backbone of many traditional recipes, which are prepared for visitors alongside music and dance performances.
High-octane events are on offer all over Armenia, making the most of the mountains, gorges and rivers the country has. In May, adventurers take part in Slack Life Fest to rock climb, tip-toe along slacklines and camp in the depths of Armenia’s Hell's Canyon. If that’s not enough adrenaline, plunge down the Debed River’s ravines at the July Rafting Festival. To get a true bird’s-eye view, take to the skies during the International Balloon Festival, held in October at Yerevan, Garni and Aparan, or Airfest, which sees air shows and paragliding in Stepanavan. Enjoy three hours of aerial entertainment, and an open-air party that lasts the entire day.
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