Colors of Yerevan - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Residents of Yerevan cherish their cultural heritage. Just like many centuries ago, they carefully follow the traditions of their ancestors and believe in omens. Keeping ancient national traditions alive is one of the most important aspects for any resident of the city. Respect for elder, friendly and close relationships with relatives and neighbors, responsibility for their family openness and hospitality – these are just some characteristics of the national character.

When describing family traditions, it is important to mention numerous wedding customs. This is an important celebration, so local people always invite many guests. All relatives, friends, and even neighbors must necessarily attend the wedding. As a rule, the celebration lasts several days. Interesting entertainments and rituals aimed to test the love of bride and groom are also very common. It is important to bring gifts to the wedding. Jewelry, household items, and luxurious textiles for clothes are the best presents.

Birth is a no less important event in the life of any family. Parents always make a big celebration and invite all close friends and relatives to the party. They believe that will help the newborn to be surrounded by support and numerous friends during all his or her life. Here it is important to mention that locals make feasts for virtually any occasion. It is an ancient tradition and is still alive. Even not rich families can easily invite several hundred guests. Locals believe the more food is on the table the more money they will get in the future. That is the reason why local people usually do not save on food for guests. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Making wine and cognac is one more interesting national tradition. Many families have been making wine for generations, and minors learn the secrets of this work since childhood. Quality oak barrels are one of the secrets of making quality drinks. They are made from special wood. Crafting oak barrels is also an ancient art. Local artisans order special oak wood in Russia, France, and other European countries. Yerevan is a modern and developing city, and its residents are tolerant to modern traditions and treat other cultures with understanding. That said, they protect their national heritage from the modern world, and that is the reason why local traditions are so original and unique.

Yerevan is a fantastic city that regularly hosts interesting festivals. Many fabulous events take place in the city, and the High Fest International Performing Arts Festival is one of them. As a rule, the festival starts at the beginning of November. It is a true meeting place for everyone interested in the newest theatrical plays. In total, there are approximately thirty of them during the event. Among them, visitors will see performances by foreign troops and works of local directors. As there are no genre limitations, it is possible to see absolutely different plays – drama, dancing performances, and puppet shows. The festival takes place in different locations in the city – theatres, concert halls, and central streets of the city (at Charles Aznavour Square).

The end of April is one of the best periods to visit Yerevan because all tourists have an opportunity to visit the festival dedicated to the international jazz day. The amazing event takes place at The Cascade. This is the right time to listen to jazz and its main subgenres, such as blues, funk, and soul. The event traditionally attracts the best musicians from Armenia and many talented performers from different parts of the world. The State Jazz Orchestra always prepares a special program for the event. On the summer solstice, namely, on June 23, the same open-air museum, the Cascade, becomes the location of one more event – Yerevan Bard. Bards and guitar poetry performers gather in order to excite the public with their works.

The beginning of May is the start of “Wine Days” in the capital of Armenia. The street festival, which is an excellent opportunity to sample different varieties of the Bacchus drink, usually takes place on Martiros Saryan Street. Besides that, visitors will enjoy different appetizers and food that tastes even more delicious with wine, such as cheese, kebab, and pilaf. Having enjoyed local food, it is time to join street parties or listen to music. Restaurants also participate in the festival and offer a special festive menu for all participants. The event is absolutely free to enter. In the middle of August, all beer fans are highly welcome at the event dedicated to their favorite drink. Numerous locals and guests of the city gather to sample fine beer and eat various beer snacks, such as sausages, crayfish, and cheese. As a rule, pubs near Swan Lake become the epicenter of the event.

One more important gastronomic event takes place at the beginning of June. It is called “Delicious Yerevan”. Besides a rich choice of food, the festival offers master-classes, during which visitors will learn how to cook different dishes or learn new information about culinary art. Tumo Park is the location of this wonderful and ever-popular festival. Mid-July is the traditional time for a no less fabulous event. It is dedicated to one of the symbols of Armenia, namely, watermelon. The popular berry becomes ripen just in time for the event. Swan Lake is the usual location of the event. Numerous people come to the park to eat juicy watermelons, enjoy festive serving, and listen to music. The end of September is the best time to try tea and coffee cooked in accordance with a special Armenian recipe and to select the ones that taste the best. This event also takes place near Swan Lake. Naturally, drinks come with all kinds of desserts and sweets.

Quite an unusual event awaits tourists who decide to arrive in the city at the foot of Mount Ararat in the middle of June. This is the time of the baby strollers’ parade. Hundreds of people go to the streets of the city with baby strollers that are decorated in a peculiar way. They can be decorated using the decoupage method, shaped like berries or characters of popular children’s fictional characters. Of course, the efforts of parents are awarded. The most creative looking baby strollers get awards and prizes from sponsors of the event.

At the beginning of August, an interesting festival takes place along Northern Avenue. It is called Taraz and that is also the name of the traditional Armenian costume. This is a perfect event for everyone who wants to get acquainted with the local culture and traditions, and, of course, admire gorgeous national costumes. It is not a secret that Armenian national dress is absolutely stunning. Finally, one more authentic festival takes place on Republic Square at the beginning of July. Pagan traditions have mixed with Christianity and given rise to Vardavar, the celebration that cherishes Jesus and Astghik, the Armenian goddess of love. On the day of the celebration, tourists must be prepared to the fact that they will get wet. It is believed that water has healing properties, so sprinkling water on this day is a wish of health and long life. Besides that, giving roses to each other has also become common on this day.