Vardavar 2023: Celebrating a Joyous Water Festival in Armenia Posted on July 14, 2023August 1, 2023 by Maggie Chi Every year, the vibrant and ancient country of Armenia comes alive with laughter, water fights, and unrestrained joy as locals and tourists come together to celebrate Vardavar. This centuries-old tradition, also known as Vardavar Day, is a unique festival and one of the most beloved Armenian holidays and traditions that symbolizes the arrival of summer and the triumph of good over evil. In this article, we delve into the essence of Vardavar, significance, and what to expect from the upcoming Vardavar 2023 celebration in Armenia. What is Vardavar? Vardavar, a cherished Armenian holiday, is celebrated on the 14th Sunday following Easter, typically in July. The festival has its roots in ancient pagan rituals honoring the Armenian goddess Astghik, the goddess of love, beauty, and water. Over time, the celebration became associated with Christianity and the transformation of Jesus Christ. So if you are considering traveling to Armenia in July, reserve the date for the most water fun you will have. Here at Buy Armenian, we are huge fans of this fun and fantastic day, and we celebrate it with love on the other side of the world. If you want to know more about Buy Armenian, simply visit our website or come and touch some of the best products we offer on display at our Buy Armenian store in Glendale. Vardavar in Armenia In modern-day Armenia, Vardavar is a day of unrestrained water fights and merriment. The streets are filled with laughter and the joyous sounds of water splashing as people of all ages participate in friendly battles, dousing each other with buckets, water guns, and hoses. No one is spared from the refreshing onslaught of water, making it a truly inclusive and immersive experience for everyone involved. The streets of major Armenian cities, such as Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor, transform into colorful battlegrounds, with locals and visitors engaging in good-natured water fights. Water balloons burst overhead, drenching participants in a spontaneous cascade of cool water while laughter and cheer echo through the air. So in case your things to do in Armenia bucket list doesn’t include this festival, you should reconsider, as it’s one of a kind in the world, and the fun is pretty much guaranteed. The Significance of Vardavar Vardavar holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Armenians. Water, a symbol of purity, is believed to wash away sins and negative energy. The drenching of friends and strangers with water is seen as an act of cleansing, rejuvenation, and purification. It is also a gesture of goodwill, as participants seek forgiveness and offer blessings to one another. The festival fosters a sense of unity and community, bringing people from all walks of life together in a shared experience of joy and celebration. It serves as a reminder to let go of grudges, forgive, and embrace the positive energy that the festival brings. Vardavar 2023 As Vardavar 2023 approaches, the anticipation in Armenia is palpable. The festival continues to grow in popularity, attracting visitors from around the world eager to immerse themselves in this unique cultural celebration. Streets, parks, and public spaces will again transform into water-filled arenas, with participants armed with water guns and buckets ready to engage in friendly battles. The festival extends beyond water fights, with lively music, traditional dances, and delicious Armenian cuisine adding to the festive atmosphere. It is a time for families and friends to come together, reconnect, and create lasting memories. So, if you find yourself in Armenia during Vardavar, prepare to be drenched in the spirit of this vibrant festival, engage in lively water fights, and embrace the sense of unity that permeates the air. Vardavar 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience, leaving participants with fond memories and a deeper appreciation for the traditions that make Armenia truly unique. However, some of us will also be joining in the fun from all over the world as Armenian communities everywhere try to keep this unique tradition alive. If you are in LA, you can contact Buy Armenian to see where the festival will be held this year. And if you like to read news and articles like this in the future, please subscribe to our newsletter and stay tuned!
