Armenia’s Garni Museum-Reserve offers free entry on Vardavar

Panorama, Armenia
Society 12:12 27/07/2019 Armenia

Garni Historical-Cultural Museum-Reserve located 28 km east of the Armenian capital of Yerevan offers a free entry to all Armenians and foreigners on 28 July marking Vardavar, a traditional holiday in Armenia.

Although now a Christian tradition, celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (the Feast of the Transfiguration), Vardavar’s history dates back to pagan times, where it was associated with the goddess of water, love and fertility – Astghik.

All are invited to attend an event in line with the pagan ritual scheduled for Sunday, the Service for Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum Reservoirs said in a statement on Friday.

Upon the order of Ara Tarverdyan, the director of the organization, on that day the entry to the museum-reserve will be free from 1pm to 5pm.

The Garni Song and Dance Ensemble, Haykazun Ensemble, as well as singers Arsen Hambaryan and Grigor Hambaryan are also set to perform during the event. 

Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.

Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2019/07/27/armenias-garni-museum-reserve-offers-free-entry-on-vardavar/

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS