Calendar of festivals and holidays in August
* 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.
SHASHLIK FESTIVAL
- When: August.
- Where: Akhtala, Lori region.
- What to bring with you: Appetite and willingness to try many types of shashlik.
The Akhtala Shashlik Festival is a celebration of taste and culinary excellence. It brings together the most talented chefs from all over Armenia to demonstrate the best recipes for cooking meat on coals. Guests are offered to try shashlik made from various types of meat with various spices and sauces. The atmosphere of the festival is full of fun, music and dancing, and locals and tourists enjoy not only the food, but also the hospitality inherent in the Armenian people.
Shashlik, or khorovats, is not just a dish, but a symbol of Armenian gastronomy and culture. The Shashlik Festival is held annually in the Lori region, in the ancient city of Akhtala, and is dedicated to the most popular meat dish in Armenia. This holiday was created to celebrate the national culinary heritage and give shashlik masters the opportunity to demonstrate their art.
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.
HONEY AND BERRY FESTIVAL
- When: August.
- Where: Berd, Tavush region.
- What to bring: A desire to try organic food and an interest in local agricultural products.
The Honey and Berry Festival is a celebration of healthy eating and natural products. It offers visitors not only to taste fresh berries and aromatic honey, but also to purchase products directly from farmers, supporting local agriculture. The atmosphere of the festival is family-friendly and attracts both locals and tourists looking for authentic Armenian flavors.
The Honey and Berry Festival is held in the Tavush region, in the city of Berd, and is dedicated to natural products that have long been considered an integral part of Armenian rural culture. Honey collected in the highland meadows of Armenia is known for its medicinal properties, and local berries are valued for their taste and nutrients. The festival was created to support local farmers and artisans, and to popularize organic products.
Festival visitors can try various types of honey and berries, as well as buy natural products from local producers. The event includes master classes on cooking dishes and desserts using honey and berries. Guests can also enjoy culinary competitions, folk festivals, and entertainment programs for children.
INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL IN THE CITY OF TUMANYAN
- When: August.
- Where: Tumanyan city, Lori region.
- What to bring with you: Interest in folk art and a desire to hear unique stories.
The International Storytelling Festival is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the culture and history of Armenia through the art of storytelling. This festival unites people of all ages and immerses them in the world of myths and legends, preserving the traditions of oral creativity.
The Tumanyan Storytelling Festival is a cultural event dedicated to the art of oral storytelling. Professional storytellers from different countries gather to share their stories, myths and legends, creating a unique atmosphere for the listeners.
The festival includes performances by storytellers, theatre performances, master classes and interactive programs. Participants can immerse themselves in the world of Armenian fairy tales and hear stories passed down from generation to generation.
YEREVAN TARAZ FEST
- When: August.
- Where: Northern Avenue, Yerevan.
- What to bring with you: A camera to capture beautiful outfits, an interest in the culture and history of Armenia.
Yerevan Taraz Fest is a real celebration of Armenian culture and fashion, where you can learn more about traditional costume and its significance for the Armenian people. The festival is accompanied by musical performances of folk groups, dances and handicraft fairs. This festival gives a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Armenian traditions and touch the rich cultural heritage.
Yerevan Taraz Fest is an annual festival dedicated to the Armenian national costume – taraz. Taraz is not just clothing, but a symbol of centuries-old cultural traditions of Armenia. The festival was created with the aim of popularizing and preserving the Armenian national costume, which conveys the identity and uniqueness of the Armenian regions.
During the festival, participants and guests can admire the beautiful national costumes worn by representatives of various regions of Armenia. There is also a competition for the best taraz, master classes on its production and exhibitions of handicrafts such as embroidery and jewelry. Everyone can try on the outfits and take memorable photos.
NAVASARD (ARMENIAN PAGAN NEW YEAR)
- When: August.
- Where: Festive events take place in Yerevan and other cities of Armenia.
- What to bring: Interest in the history and cultural heritage of Armenia.
Navasard is a holiday that symbolizes the historical memory of the Armenian people. It gives an opportunity to learn more about the pagan past of Armenia, the culture and customs that existed before the adoption of Christianity. On the day of the holiday, concerts, lectures and exhibitions are held dedicated to the ancient history of Armenia. This is a unique chance for everyone interested in the spiritual heritage of the ancient country.
Navasard is an ancient Armenian holiday that was celebrated as the New Year back in pagan times. It was dedicated to the gods of the Armenian pantheon, especially the supreme god Aramazd and the goddess of fertility Anahit. According to the ancient Armenian calendar, the New Year fell in August and symbolized the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.
In the old days, Navasard was accompanied by sacrifices, folk festivals and rituals dedicated to deities. Modern traditions of the holiday include exhibitions, cultural events, concerts and lectures, which are aimed at popularizing and preserving pagan heritage. The holiday also emphasizes the connection with nature and ancient traditions.
THE DORMITION OF THE BLESSED MOTHER OF GOD AND THE FEAST OF THE BLESSING OF THE GRAPES
- When: August.
- Where: Festive services are held in all churches of Armenia, especially in the southern regions such as Vayots Dzor.
- What to take with you: Grapes for blessing.
The Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Feast of the Blessing of the Grapes is an important spiritual event for all believers in Armenia. After the blessing of the grapes, people share them with their loved ones, expressing gratitude for the gift of the earthly fruits. On this day, picnics are also held in nature, where families gather together to celebrate the holiday with their loved ones.
The Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most important Christian holidays of the Armenian Apostolic Church. This day symbolizes the end of the earthly life of the Virgin Mary and her ascension to heaven. The Feast of the Blessing of the Grapes is celebrated on the same day and is associated with ancient traditions of gratitude for the first grape harvest.
The holiday begins with a festive liturgy in churches, followed by a grape blessing ceremony. Grapes are brought to the church for blessing, after which they are distributed to the faithful. In the southern regions of Armenia, where grapes ripen earlier, this holiday has a special significance for winegrowers.
RAFTING FESTIVAL IN TUMANYANE
- When: August.
- Where: Tumanyan, Lori region.
- What to bring: Activewear, a swimsuit, sports shoes and a desire to experience adrenaline.
The Tumanyan Rafting Festival is an ideal way to spend the summer for those who love active recreation and extreme sports. Water adventures on mountain rivers, hiking along picturesque trails and mountaineering make this festival a real holiday for all nature lovers. In addition to extreme entertainment, guests can enjoy the warm atmosphere, sit by the fire with friends and listen to live music.
The Rafting Festival is a young event in Armenia, which is held in the picturesque Lori region, in the town of Tumanyan. Armenia is known for its mountain rivers and beautiful natural landscapes, and rafting has become popular among tourists and lovers of active recreation. The festival was created to demonstrate the possibilities of extreme tourism and draw attention to the natural beauty of the region.
The main event of the festival is a rafting competition on wild mountain rivers. Participants can try their hand at rafting on the Debed River, famous for its fast and dangerous rapids. The festival also includes various active events: mountaineering, mountain biking, hiking. The festival is accompanied by musical performances, picnics and evening gatherings around the campfire.
