WEST aSia
WHEN
July 8, 2018
WHERE
Yerevan, the capital and largest city in
Armenia
HOW
You can fly to Yerevan from many cities
around the world
DOS AND DON’TS- Do wear clothing that you don’t mind
getting wet - Don’t get offended by sudden and
unexpected pranks. It’s part of the fun!
EXPERIENCE
VARDAVARWith its origins in pagan times, the
now-Christian tradition of Vardavar
stems from the worship of Astghik,
the goddess of water, beauty, love and
fertility. The festivities associated with
this religious aspect of Astghik were
dubbed “Vartavar” (vart translates
to “rose” in Armenian and var means
“rise”), as legend has it that Astghik
would pour water from roses to convey
her love for the Armenian people.
The celebration is traditionally held
at harvest time. Today however,
the festival is in honour of Jesus
Christ, and his transfiguration when
he appeared before his disciples
on Mount Tabor. However, someFESTIVAL MUST-SEE: VARDAVAR
Armenia
Yerevanalso theorise that the tradition is to
remember Noah and the flood.
Vardavar sees celebrants throw
water at each other in the streets
of Yerevan on the 14th Sunday after
Easter – a welcome reprieve from the
summer heat. People pour buckets of
water from their balconies, and douse
each other in the streets. The festival is
a wonderful experience for children.ARMENIAIMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK98