Calendar of festivals and holidays September

* Festivals are planned for the beginning of the year, however, changes in the schedule are possible, including cancellation or postponement of some events. For exact information, please contact us in advance by phone or write to us.

GHATA FESTIVAL

  • When: September.
  • Where: Khachik village, Vayots Dzor region.
  • What to bring with you: Willingness to try different types of gata and an interest in Armenian cuisine.

The Gata Festival is a true feast of tastes. Visitors can enjoy many variations of this traditional dessert while immersing themselves in the atmosphere of village life. Locals proudly present their recipes, passed down from generation to generation. The Gata Festival is a great opportunity for tourists to learn more about the culinary traditions of Armenia and taste authentic Armenian sweets.

The festival features many variations of gata, each prepared according to a unique recipe. Visitors can try gata with nuts, honey, chocolate and other fillings. Master classes are held where local housewives share the secrets of preparing this dish. The festival is accompanied by folk music, dancing and competitions for the best preparation of gata.

At the festival, you can try more than 40 types of shashlik, cooked according to traditional recipes. Shashlik masters compete for the title of the best cooks, and guests enjoy delicious dishes cooked over an open fire. The festival is accompanied by folk dances and songs, which makes it a real gastronomic and cultural event.

ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

  • When: September 21.
  • Where: Yerevan and all regions of Armenia. The main events take place at the Republic Square.
  • What to bring with you: Patriotic spirit, Armenian flags and readiness to celebrate this important day for the country.

Independence Day is the main national holiday in Armenia. On this day, festive events are held in the Republic Square in Yerevan, which include parades, cultural programs and concerts. The celebration symbolizes pride in the country and its people, who after decades regained freedom and independence. This day reminds Armenians of the importance of national unity and the pursuit of democratic values.

On September 21, 1991, Armenia declared its independence from the Soviet Union. A nationwide referendum confirmed the Armenian people’s aspiration for freedom and sovereignty, which became the most important event in the country’s modern history. Independence Day symbolizes the beginning of a new era for Armenia, strengthening its national identity and independence in the international arena.

On this day, official celebrations are held across the country, including military parades, concerts, and patriotic events. In Yerevan, the main celebration takes place at Republic Square, where dance and music groups perform. The holiday ends with a grand fireworks display. Patriotism lessons are held in schools and universities, where students learn about the significance of Independence Day and the heroism of those who fought for the country’s freedom.

HARVEST FESTIVAL: COUNTRY LIFE AND TRADITIONS

  • When: September.
  • Where: Dzoraghbyur village, Armenia.
  • What to bring: I’m eager to try fresh produce and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The Harvest Festival is an event that unites people in gratitude for the gifts of the earth. It is a day when farmers share their successes, and guests can enjoy the tastes of fresh produce and traditional entertainment. The holiday emphasizes the importance of agriculture in the life of Armenia and creates an atmosphere of joy and gratitude.

The Harvest Festival is held in Armenia to mark the end of the agricultural season and to thank the land for the bountiful harvest. The festival symbolizes unity with nature and respect for the work of farmers.

The festival takes the form of a fair where farmers and organic producers display their wares. Visitors can buy fruits, vegetables, honey and handicrafts. The festival also features musical performances and entertainment for the whole family.

THE ELEVATION OF THE CROSS (KHACHVERATS)

  • When: Sunday, between September 11 and 17.
  • Where: All over Armenia in churches and cemeteries.
  • What to bring: Flowers to decorate the cross, prayers and spiritual reflections.

The Exaltation of the Cross is a holiday that celebrates the triumph of the cross as a symbol of salvation and spiritual rebirth. On this day, Armenians visit churches to offer prayers and take part in religious processions. The holiday fills the hearts of believers with a sense of gratitude and spiritual renewal, reminding them of the importance of the cross in the Christian faith. In addition to religious rites, families gather together to share the joy of the holiday.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, or Khachverats, is one of the oldest and most important Christian holidays in Armenia, which is celebrated in honor of the discovery of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. According to legend, Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, found the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified and erected it for worship. The Armenian Apostolic Church has celebrated this holiday since 326.

The celebrations begin with a morning liturgy in churches, where crosses are decorated with flowers and greenery. After the service, believers carry the crosses in religious processions, which symbolize the victory of the cross over death. It is also customary to visit cemeteries on this day and pray for the souls of the departed. Families gather around the festive table to share food and spend the day reflecting on the meaning of the cross.

ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL “CULTURAL REVIVAL” IN DILIJAN

  • When: September.
  • Where: Dilijan, Tavush region.
  • What to bring with you: The desire to get acquainted with traditional crafts, the opportunity to purchase unique products and a pleasant mood.

The Cultural Revival Festival is a celebration that showcases centuries-old traditions of Armenian crafts and arts. The masters who gather at the festival not only share their knowledge, but also pass on their skills to new generations. Visitors can participate in creative master classes, learn more about the process of creating Armenian carpets, jewelry and other handicrafts. The festival also provides an opportunity to support local craftsmen by purchasing their works, which carry the spirit of Armenian history and culture.

The Cultural Revival Festival was created to support Armenian folk crafts and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Dilijan, known for its cultural and historical roots, became an ideal venue for this event. The festival aims to popularize ancient crafts such as carpet weaving, pottery, wood carving, and other traditional arts.

At the festival, visitors can see craftsmen at work in real time, attend master classes, and purchase unique handicrafts. Exhibitions of handicrafts such as carpets, jewelry, pottery, and embroidery are the central elements of the festival. The festive atmosphere is complemented by performances by folk groups performing national songs and dances.

YEREVAN MUSICAL NIGHT

  • When: September.
  • Where: Yerevan, central streets and squares of the city.
  • What to bring: Comfortable shoes for long walks, a desire to dance and enjoy a variety of music.

Yerevan Music Night is a real extravaganza of sounds and rhythms that takes over the entire city. Thousands of people gather on the streets of the capital to listen to their favorite bands, chat with friends and spend the night in an atmosphere of fun and dancing. The festival offers musical performances for every taste, from jazz improvisations to rock and electronic rhythms. This event united the residents of Yerevan and became a vibrant cultural event that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Yerevan Music Night is an annual festival that was organized to popularize modern Armenian music and support young performers. For one night, the streets of Yerevan turn into a huge music stage, where everyone can enjoy a variety of musical genres – from jazz and rock to classical and pop music. The festival has become an integral part of the cultural life of the capital of Armenia.

The festival brings together many musical groups that perform at different venues in the city. The main concerts take place on Abovyan Street and Republic Square, where residents and guests of Yerevan can dance and enjoy music until the early hours of the morning. Festival participants can listen to both famous Armenian performers and young musicians, for whom this is a chance to make a name for themselves on the big stage.