Traditions of Yerevan
A rose-coloured capital of one of the world's oldest Christian nations, with a famous apricot and brandy culture.
Yerevan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, founded in 782 BC. Armenia was the first state to adopt Christianity as its religion, in 301, and the church is a central part of life. The city is built of pink volcanic tuff, with cafes, brandy houses and the memorial for the 1915 genocide.
Feasts and the church
Vardavar, in summer, is a day when people throw water on each other, a custom with pre-Christian roots linked to the water goddess. At Easter, families eat eggs, and the blessing of grapes is done in August. The khachkar, a carved cross stone, is a signature Armenian craft honoured by UNESCO.
At the table
Lavash flatbread is baked in a tonir, a clay oven, and recognised by UNESCO. Dolma, khorovats, grilled meat, and the sweet gata are served at gatherings. Armenian coffee is brewed in a small pot and drunk with a pause for the fortune left in the cup. Apricots, pomegranate and brandy are national symbols.
Signature traditions of Yerevan
Also part of it, and being written: Lavash (The Armenian flatbread.), Armenian coffee (The thick coffee.), Khorovats (Armenian barbecue.).
A trail idea for Yerevan
- Vernissage market Browse crafts and carpets on weekends.
- Matenadaran A library of ancient manuscripts.
- Cascade Complex Climb for views of Mount Ararat.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom and 5 moreApril Fools' Day
An annual day of lighthearted pranks, hoaxes and teasing kept on the first of AprilFestival
🇦🇲 Yerevan, ArmeniaArmenian carpetՀայկական գորգ
A handwoven textile tradition of knotted pile rugs and sacred geometric symbolsCraft
🇦🇲 Yerevan, Armenia and 6 moreArmenian Genocide Remembrance DayՄեծ Եղեռնի զոհերի հիշատակի օր
An annual day of mourning and remembrance for the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.Spiritual
🇷🇺 Moscow, Russia and 5 moreImmortal RegimentБессмертный полк (Bessmertnyy polk)
A civic procession where people carry portraits of relatives who served in the Second World War.Festival
🇦🇲 Yerevan, Armenia and 5 moreKhachkarխաչքար
A carved stone cross raised as a memorial, a grave marker and a prayer in stoneCraft
🇦🇲 Yerevan, ArmeniaYarkhushtaՅարխուշտա
A men's row dance from Sasun, where pairs clap palms as the lines advancePerformance
Photo credits on this page
The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.
- Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day: This photo was made by Hayordi . Այս լուսանկարի հեղինակը Հայորդին է :, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Vardavar: Камалян001, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Immortal Regiment: Presidential Press and Information Office, CC BY 4.0, source
- April Fools' Day: Lars Andersen, Public domain, source
- Armenian carpet: VincentKeers, Public domain, source
- Khachkar: Arantz, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Yarkhushta: Hablabar, CC BY-SA 4.0, source