Events & holidays
What's on in Lori over the next twelve months, in date order. Movable feasts are worked out for each year. Add one — or all — to your calendar.
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Remembrance, Spitak
Earthquake Remembrance Day
Monday, 7 December 2026
The anniversary of the 1988 Spitak earthquake. Ceremonies at the memorial above Spitak.
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Holiday, Everywhere
Armenian Christmas & Epiphany
Wednesday, 6 January 2027
Christmas and the blessing of water, celebrated on 6 January. Services in every working church — Haghpat, Sanahin and Odzun included.
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Tradition, Villages and churches
Trndez
Saturday, 13 February 2027
The feast of the Presentation, on the eve of 14 February: bonfires in churchyards and villages, and couples jumping over the flames.
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Culture, Dsegh
Hovhannes Tumanyan's birthday
Friday, 19 February 2027
The national poet was born in Dsegh on 19 February 1869. His house-museum there is the place to be; readings are often held around the date.
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Holiday, Everywhere
Easter (Zatik)
Sunday, 28 March 2027
Dyed eggs, egg-tapping contests and church services. Movable: this is the date for the year shown.
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Remembrance, Nationwide
Genocide Remembrance Day
Saturday, 24 April 2027
A day of remembrance; expect closures and quiet. Many people travel to the Tsitsernakaberd memorial in Yerevan.
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Tradition, Everywhere
Vardavar
Sunday, 4 July 2027
The summer water festival, 14 weeks after Easter: children (and adults) drench anyone in range. Keep your phone in a bag.
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Festival, Akhtala
Pan-Armenian Khorovats (Barbecue) Festival
September 2027 (date to be announced)
Running since 2009 in the mining town of Akhtala: cooks from Armenia and abroad compete over beef, pork, fish, lamb and vegetable khorovats, with music and dancing. Free entry. The exact date is announced each summer.
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Holiday, Vanadzor and towns
Independence Day
Tuesday, 21 September 2027
Public holiday marking the 1991 referendum; concerts in the main towns.
Know of a village festival that should be here? Tell us.