Vardavar

Yerevan, 2011

Vardavar or Vartavar (Armenian: Վարդավառ, Homshetsi: Vartevor or Behur)^[1]) is an Armenian festival in Armenia where people drench each other with water. The festival is also observed by Hemshin people of Turkey, a Muslim majority group of Armenian origin.^[1]

Origin[]

Although now a Christian tradition, celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (the Feast of the Transfiguration), 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 (vart means "rose" in Armenian and var means "to burn/be burning", this is why it was celebrated in the harvest time).^[2] Some claim it comes from a tradition dating back to Noah, in which he commanded that his descendants should sprinkle water on each other and let doves fly as a symbol of remembrance of the Flood.^[3]

Date[]

Vardavar is generally celebrated 98 days (14 weeks) after Easter in the republic. In some regions, however, it is held on different days, and traditions differ too.

Vardavar Celebration Days
Year	Day
2024	July 7
2023	July 16
2022	July 24
2021	July 11
2020	July 19
2019	July 28
2018	July 8
2017	July 23
2016	July 3
2015	July 12
2014	July 27
2013	July 7
2012	July 15
2011	July 31
2010	July 11

Festival[]

The water festival in the center of Yerevan, 2014

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.

(FYCA) 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.^[4]

Outside Armenia[]

Vardavar is celebrated by Armenian diaspora all over the world including Armenians living in different countries. It is also held in Moscow and other places all over the world.^[5]