Yerevan Marks Vardavar, Armenia's Ancient Water Festival

Yerevan celebrated Vardavar, a traditional Armenian folk holiday centered on water as its primary element. The festival also features mountaintop fire lighting, communal picnics, and the preparation of traditional foods. Vardavar holds significant cultural importance in Armenia, recognized by UNESCO in 2011 as part of the nation's intangible heritage. The holiday represents a blend of pre-Christian and Christian traditions that have been observed in Armenian communities for centuries. Its designation by UNESCO underscores its value as a cultural practice worthy of preservation and international recognition.