Vardavar


Vardavar or Vartavar is an Armenian festival in Armenia where people of social groups drench each other with water.

Origin

Although now a Christian tradition, celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, Vardavar's history dates back to pagan times. The ancient festival is traditionally associated with the goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water, beauty, love and fertility. The festivities associated with this religious observance of Astghik were named “Vartavar” because Armenians offered her roses as a celebration, this is why it was celebrated in the harvest time.

Date

Vardavar is generally celebrated 98 days after Easter in the republic. In some regions, however, it is held on different days, and traditions differ too.
yearday
2024July 7
2023July 16
2022July 24
2021July 11
2020July 19
2019July 28
2018July 8
2017July 23
2016July 3
2015July 12
2014July 27
2013July 7
2012July 15
2011July 31
2010July 11

Festival

During the day of Vardavar, people from a wide array of ages are allowed to douse strangers with water. It is common to see people pouring buckets of water from balconies on unsuspecting people walking below them. The festival is very popular among children as it is one day where they can get away with pulling pranks. It is also a means of refreshment on the usually hot and dry summer days of July or late June.
Federation of Youth Clubs of Armenia each year organizes the "Vardavar International Festival" which is cognitive, educational, cultural festival. Every year it takes place in medieval monastery of Geghard and old pagan temple of Garni. The festival aims to present the Armenian national and traditional culture.
In addition to the celebrations, the traditional ceremony of splashing water on each other and the blessings of the youth, the Armenian folk songs are also included and performed by the Nairyan Vocal Ensamble. The Vardavar holiday theme pavilions represent the traditions and handmade works of different regions of Armenia.

Gallery