Armenian people from early stages of history were celebrating different popular feasts. After Christianity the majority of these ancient ceremonies are preserved up to date. Not only Armenians, but foreign visitors as well are enchanted to take part in such festivals: Vardavar, Grape Blessing, Saint Sargis Feast, Palm Sunday, Pancake Day and other holidays.

Vardavar is one of the most favorite, preferred and enjoyable holidays in Armenia. This holiday had some changes after adopting Christianity. Vardavar has long history connected to pagan Goddess Astghik.  According to legend she spread love on earth, walking over roses that turn red from her blood.  As goddess of fertility she was associated with water. According to some specialists, Vardavar holiday is also related to the Flood and the Noah’s decent from the Ark.

Vardavar is the most expected and favorite summer activity for all Armenians, no matter the age, gender, or public position. This holiday falls at the period from June 28 till August 1. From morning till night all the people both young and old, men and women, children and adults, friends and strangers, collect water in their pails and other pans and spill water on each other. Nobody is angered by this.

In the country-side areas men like to collect wheatear in the fields and take to the church for blessing.  Women assemble multi-colored bouquets of flowers and throw them to the gardens and yards of their relatives and neighbors.  Dances and songs, jokes and plays are part of the Summer Festivity Vardavar.