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Vardavar
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Yerevan, 2011

Vardavar or Vartavar (Armenian: Վարդավառ, Homshetsi: Vartevor or Behur)[1] is a festival in Armenia where people drench each other with water. It is included in the intangible cultural heritage list of the Republic of Armenia.[2]

Origin

[edit]

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 “Vardavar” because Armenians offered her roses as a celebration (vard means "rose" in Armenian and var means "to burn/be burning", this is why it was celebrated in the harvest time).[3] After the Christianization of Armenia, the Armenian Apostolic Church identified the rose with the transfiguration of Jesus and Vardavar continued to be celebrated along with the Feast of the Transfiguration.[4] 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.[5]

The historian of ancient religions Albert de Jong explains that the water rite of Vardavar bears strong resemblance to a similar rite of the Iranian Zoroastrians of Yazd as part of the festival of Tir-o-Tištar.[6]

Date

[edit]

Vardavar is generally celebrated 98 days (14 weeks) after Easter in the republic and the diaspora when the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration. In some regions, however, it is held on different days, and traditions differ too.

Vardavar Celebration Days
Year Day
2025 July 27
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

[edit]
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.

Federation of Youth Clubs of Armenia (FYCA) each year organizes the "Vardavar International Festival" which is a cognitive, educational and cultural festival. Every year it takes place in the 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.[7]

Outside Armenia

[edit]

Vardavar is also celebrated by Armenians in Russia[8] and in Glendale, California.[9][10][11]

[edit]

Vardavar was featured on episode 2 of season 3 of Mickey Mouse Funhouse on 1 March 2024. Minnie chooses the wrong outfit to celebrate Vardavar; they are then seen eating Khorovats (Armenian BBQ) and Tahn (Armenian yogurt drink). The episode marks the first-ever representation of Armenian culture at Disney.[12]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vardavar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Vardavar is a traditional Armenian marked by playful water dousing among participants, originating as a pagan celebration of the goddess Astghik and later integrated into the Christian calendar as part of of the Christ. Celebrated annually 98 days after —typically falling between late June and early August—Vardavar symbolizes purification, renewal, and the blessings of , drawing from ancient rituals that honored fertility and love. The festival's roots trace back to pre-Christian Armenia, where it was dedicated to Astghik, the goddess of water, beauty, love, and fertility, with participants offering roses and sprinkling water to invoke her favor. Following 's adoption of Christianity in 301 AD, the pagan observance was adapted to align with the Transfiguration, one of the five major feasts of the , while retaining its core water-based traditions. The name "Vardavar" derives from Armenian words meaning "offering roses" or "rose days," reflecting the historical use of rosewater in rituals, though some interpretations link it to "sprinkling water." During Vardavar, across the country and in communities engage in widespread fights using buckets, hoses, water guns, and balloons, with no one—from children to elders or even authorities—spared from getting soaked, fostering communal joy and unity in the summer heat. Celebrations often begin with church services and processions, followed by street festivities in squares, parks, and villages, sometimes incorporating regional elements or visits to sites like . Vardavar endures as a vibrant expression of Armenian identity, bridging ancient pagan customs with and promoting themes of life, renewal, and social harmony.

Etymology and Historical Origins

Name and Meaning

The name Vardavar is derived from the Armenian words vard (Վարդ), meaning "," reflecting the historical practice of offering roses to the goddess Astghik during the festival. Common interpretations include "offering roses" or "rose days," tied to rituals involving rosewater and floral tributes symbolizing beauty, fertility, and love. One scholarly view, drawn from St. Gregory of Narek's , interprets it as combining vard with var (flame), yielding "rose-burning" or "flaming rose," evoking ritual fire and summer passion. In regional dialects, particularly among Homshetsi-speaking of the Hamshen community in northeastern and adjacent areas, the festival is known as Vartevor or Behur. Vartevor represents a phonetic of the standard Vardavar, preserving the core elements while reflecting local pronunciation shifts, whereas Behur—used in areas like Çayeli and Senoz—marks a distinct cultural variant possibly linked to broader Pontic influences, though its precise origins remain tied to Hamshen oral traditions. Symbolically, the embedded in Vardavar's name embodies , , and love in Armenian cultural lore, qualities personified by the pre-Christian Astghik, the deity of waters, love, and fecundity to whom roses served as sacred offerings.

Pagan Roots

Vardavar traces its origins to ancient Armenian as a and dedicated to Astghik, the embodying water, , love, and . In pre-Christian , Astghik was revered for her nurturing qualities, particularly in ensuring the prosperity of crops and the vitality of life through her association with flowing waters and natural abundance. Worshippers honored her by offering roses and sprinkling water to invoke her favor, symbolizing the renewal of the earth and the spread of love and prosperity across the land. Central to these pagan rituals was the practice of sprinkling , performed as a rite of purification and to petition for agricultural abundance. Participants would douse each other and the with , believing it cleansed impurities, warded off misfortune, and stimulated growth during the height of summer. These acts mimicked Astghik's dispersion of rose-scented to foster and productivity, reinforcing communal bonds and the cyclical renewal of . The festival's water-centric observances exhibit notable parallels to the Zoroastrian Tiragan, or Tir-o-Tištar, a rite honoring the deity Tištrya for invoking rain and fertility. Scholar Albert de Jong highlights this resemblance, noting how both traditions employed pouring to symbolize cosmic battles against and to ensure seasonal rains vital for . Historically, Vardavar marked the culmination of summer and the onset of key agricultural cycles in , coinciding approximately with the pagan festival of Navasard in early , when communities celebrated the ripening of crops and sought divine protection for the . This timing underscored the festival's role in transitioning from summer's zenith to the gathering of yields, embedding it deeply in the agrarian rhythms of pre-Christian society.

Christian Adoption

The adopted Vardavar in the early 4th century following Armenia's in 301 AD, integrating the pre-Christian festival into its liturgical calendar under the guidance of St. Gregory the Illuminator. This adoption linked the pagan celebration to the Feast of the , commemorating the event described in the Gospels where Jesus' appearance was transformed on , revealing his divine glory to the apostles Peter, James, and John. By aligning Vardavar with this feast, the Church repurposed the summer timing—98 days after —to emphasize themes of divine revelation and spiritual enlightenment, transforming it into one of the five major tabernacle feasts of the . The process of involved reframing the ancient water rituals, originally dedicated to the pagan goddess Astghik, as symbols of Christian purification and renewal. Church traditions preserved elements like water sprinkling and rose offerings, now interpreted as acts of baptismal grace and homage to Christ's luminous transfiguration, where his face shone like the sun. This shift is evidenced in early Armenian liturgical practices, including a composed by the 5th-century Yeghishe, recited during the feast to bless the harvest and invoke divine blessing, illustrating the seamless blending of ethnic customs with . Additionally, Vardavar bears a possible association with the biblical remembrance of Noah's flood, symbolizing life and renewal through as a prefigurement of . This connection draws from traditions tracing the festival's roots to post-flood celebrations in , where rites signified emergence from chaos into divine order, further aligning pagan fertility motifs with Christian sacramental imagery. Historical church texts and oral traditions maintained this layered symbolism, ensuring the festival's continuity as a vibrant expression of amid cultural transition.

Date and Religious Significance

Calculation and Timing

Vardavar is observed on the fourteenth Sunday following Sunday, precisely 98 days later, within the liturgical calendar of the . This placement aligns with the church's summer liturgical cycle, occurring after the (50 days post-Easter) and integrating into the post-Resurrection feasts that emphasize renewal and divine revelation. The date varies annually due to Easter's mobility, which is determined as the first Sunday after the first following the vernal , using the adopted by the Armenian Church in 1923. As a result, Vardavar typically falls between June 28 and August 1. For example, in 2025, with on April 20, Vardavar occurs on July 27. In diaspora communities, most adhere to the Gregorian timing of the mother church in , ensuring consistency with the global Armenian Apostolic tradition. However, the continues to use the due to historical agreements governing holy sites, resulting in a date approximately 13 days later—such as early August in 2025—creating regional variations in observance.

Connection to the Transfiguration

In the Armenian Apostolic Church, Vardavar commemorates the Feast of the Christ, as described in the Gospel accounts where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up and is transfigured before them, his face shining like the sun and his clothes becoming dazzling white, revealing his divine glory. This event, recounted in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36, symbolizes the of Christ's divinity and the promise of eternal light to believers, with and appearing alongside him and a voice from affirming, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." The transfiguration underscores themes of transformation and divine illumination, serving as a pivotal moment of theological in Christian scripture. The rituals central to Vardavar parallel the Transfiguration's themes of spiritual renewal, with the act of sprinkling interpreted as a of baptismal purification and of the . In Armenian , this practice evokes the cleansing power of akin to the 's transformative role, mirroring the radiant change in Christ's appearance during the Transfiguration and signifying the believer's own path to divine likeness. Such extends to the idea of washing away and evil, fostering a sense of communal rebirth that aligns with the feast's emphasis on enlightenment and grace. As one of the five major tabernacle feasts in the Armenian Apostolic Church's liturgical calendar, Vardavar holds a prominent role in the summer cycle following , typically observed 98 days after it, promoting themes of joy, unity, and shared celebration amid the season's warmth. The feast's liturgical observances, including divine liturgies and memorial services, highlight community bonds and spiritual upliftment, with the water tradition uniquely interpreted in Armenian practice as a form of "spiritual cooling" that refreshes the soul in hot weather, blending physical playfulness with profound theological renewal. This interpretation reinforces the Transfiguration's message of divine accessibility, encouraging participants to experience God's presence through joyful, collective rituals.

Traditions and Celebrations in Armenia

Water Rituals and Activities

The central ritual of Vardavar involves participants dousing one another with in a spirited display of communal playfulness, typically using buckets, hoses, water guns, balloons, or bottles filled from nearby fountains, rivers, or household supplies. This activity unfolds spontaneously across streets, public squares, and parks in Armenian towns and cities, where individuals—often ambushing passersby from windows, doorways, or hidden spots—splash on family, friends, and even strangers without prior warning. The practice, which begins early in the morning and continues throughout the day, transforms urban and rural spaces into vibrant arenas of interaction, particularly relished during the midsummer heat for its cooling effect. These water-dousing exchanges emphasize joyful, lighthearted engagement, with children and young people taking a leading role in organizing impromptu "battles" that encourage and evasion tactics among participants. Such interactions strengthen social ties by blurring boundaries between age groups and acquaintances, fostering a sense of shared mischief and unity that reinforces community cohesion in traditional Armenian settings. While the act is inclusive, it often highlights generational participation, as elders may observe or join more gently, allowing the youth's energy to drive the festivities. Symbolically, the water represents a life-giving force essential for , renewal, and purification, drawing from ancient pagan associations with abundance and growth while being reinterpreted in the Christian framework as a for spiritual cleansing and . In this context, the ritual evokes and the cyclical refreshment of , mirroring the festival's roots in honoring water's role in sustaining life and warding off summer aridity, thereby blending pre-Christian reverence with contemporary expressions of delight. Adhering to unwritten norms of and , participants generally embrace the soaking as part of , though practical precautions like securing valuables in waterproof bags or wearing quick-dry clothing help mitigate disruptions. is drawn from clean, accessible sources to ensure safety and hygiene, and while the play is exuberant, communities promote moderation to avoid harm, such as excessive drenching in sensitive areas. This etiquette underscores the ritual's emphasis on mutual enjoyment rather than imposition, maintaining its status as a harmonious celebration.

Community Events

In , Vardavar features organized annual festivals hosted by cultural organizations, such as the Federation of Youth Clubs of Armenia (FYCA), which stages the Vardavar Fest at historic sites including Geghard Monastery and . These events draw over 14,000 participants each year, combining educational and cultural elements to highlight the festival's traditions. The festivals incorporate a range of activities, including folk songs and dances performed by regional groups, traditional games rooted in ancient customs, and demonstrations of such as Vardavar-specific dishes that emphasize the holiday's themes of renewal and . An kicks off the day, followed by presentations from various Armenian regions and companies, culminating in water-splashing rituals and an evening fashion show featuring contemporary designs inspired by heritage. Local communities play a central role in Vardavar through street celebrations that transform urban centers and villages into lively gathering spaces, where residents of all ages participate in water dousing with buckets, hoses, and modern water guns. In , key sites like Republic Square and become focal points for these communal activities, often preceded by church services at historical monasteries such as , where blessings and prayers mark the Feast of the Transfiguration. These informal yet widespread events foster unity, with picnics featuring traditional foods like lamb stew and nazook pastry enhancing the social atmosphere. Historically, Vardavar events have evolved from informal pagan gatherings in ancient times—centered on rituals honoring the Astghik with rosewater offerings and banquets—to structured Christian observances after Armenia's adoption of in 301 AD, when the church integrated the water traditions into the Transfiguration feast. By the modern era, these have further developed into organized heritage activities, such as FYCA's festivals, which preserve and promote the customs amid growing recognition.

Global Observance

In the Armenian Diaspora

In communities in , where significant populations reside, Vardavar is celebrated through organized events featuring fights, songs, s, and religious liturgies, often held in urban parks and community centers to accommodate large gatherings. For instance, in , celebrations include pouring rituals, blessings of and fruits, and concerts involving local Armenian vocal and studios, fostering communal joy while honoring the holiday's ties to the Transfiguration feast. Similar observances occur in cities like , , , , and , where parishes coordinate activities to maintain traditions amid urban lifestyles. In , home to one of the largest Armenian communities in the United States, Vardavar events emphasize cultural preservation through parades, fairs, live entertainment, and family-oriented water activities synchronized with the traditional date, typically 14 weeks after . The annual Vardavar Water Festival, held at Verdugo Park, drew over 15,000 attendees in 2025, featuring designated splash zones, food vendors, and performances to create a vibrant atmosphere that echoes Armenia's water rituals while adapting to local park regulations. Community organizations like Hayk For Our Heroes sponsor these gatherings, using them to engage younger generations in Armenian heritage and build intergenerational bonds. Diaspora adaptations often involve urban-friendly modifications, such as utilizing public fountains and park facilities for water play to comply with local environmental rules, including measures in drought-prone areas like . These events sometimes align with broader summer community festivals, enhancing integration while prioritizing cultural continuity; for example, Glendale's festival incorporates eco-conscious practices like limited water use in splash areas to respect municipal restrictions. Such initiatives by groups like the Armenian Cultural Foundation help instill pride and identity in youth, ensuring Vardavar's playful spirit endures outside .

International Recognition

Vardavar has gained international recognition through its inscription on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011, highlighting its pre-Christian origins and cultural significance as an Armenian summertime water festival. This acknowledgment by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage emphasizes the festival's role in local traditions, including purification rituals and regional pilgrimages, and supports Armenia's national efforts to document and preserve such practices. Scholars and media outlets have drawn cross-cultural comparisons between Vardavar and other global festivals, noting its similarities to Thailand's Songkran, where water splashing symbolizes renewal and joy during the Thai . These analyses often highlight shared themes of communal cleansing and festivity, with Vardavar's ancient pagan roots predating Songkran's traditions. Similarly, Vardavar has been likened to Spain's for its playful, participatory chaos, though the former focuses on water rather than tomatoes, underscoring a universal appeal in exuberant public celebrations. Armenian diplomatic initiatives have promoted Vardavar as a symbol of cultural heritage on the world stage, including presentations framing it as a Christian holiday with pagan elements to foster international understanding. Tourism campaigns by Armenia's official travel authority actively highlight the festival to attract global visitors, portraying it as a vibrant, inclusive event that draws over 160,000 participants annually and boosts summer tourism. In recent years, collaborations with international organizations have extended Vardavar's reach, such as joint efforts with to register the related Tirgān/Vardavar traditions under , strengthening bilateral cultural ties in heritage preservation. During the , Armenia's Ministry of Health discouraged large-scale celebrations in 2020 to curb virus transmission, leading to scaled-back observances that underscored the festival's adaptability amid challenges. The of Youth Clubs of Armenia has organized the annual Vardavar International Festival since the early , inviting international participants to educational and cultural events that promote cross-border exchange.

Cultural Impact

Vardavar has gained visibility in Western media through Disney's animated series , which featured the festival in its episode "Vardavar!" that premiered on March 1, 2024. In the episode, and her friends participate in the traditional water-splashing rituals to celebrate the Armenian goddess Astghik, while incorporating cultural elements such as preparing , a traditional Armenian , and serving tahn, a yogurt-based drink. This marked Disney's first representation of Armenian culture in its programming, with the episode written by Kathleen Sarnelli Kapukchyan and including phrases. An accompanying , "It's Vardavar," further highlights the festival's joyful water play and communal festivities. Within Armenian cultural productions, Vardavar appears in music that captures its exuberant spirit, such as the folk-inspired song "Vardavar" by singer Tata Simonyan, released in 2018, which evokes the festival's themes of renewal and merriment through lively rhythms. Similarly, Aida Sargsyan's 2015 track "Vardavar" blends pop elements with traditional motifs to portray the holiday's playful fights as symbols of cultural vitality and identity. In , the festival is explored in Yeva Aleksanyan's 2025 illustrated poem book The Legend of Vardavar, which draws on to depict Vardavar's evolution from pagan rituals honoring Astghik to a modern celebration of love and community. Armenian films occasionally reference the festival's joyful essence, as seen in animated shorts like the "Anahit" segment tied to Vardavar themes, emphasizing as a life-giving force in national heritage. Social media has amplified Vardavar's festive energy through viral videos of spontaneous water fights, particularly on platforms like and , where users share footage of street celebrations in and other cities during the annual observance around late July. These clips, often garnering millions of views, showcase the festival's communal chaos and summer refreshment, drawing global interest and encouraging that reinforces Armenian cultural pride. Travel promotions leverage this visibility, with documentaries and vlogs on , such as those from Armenia Travel channels, highlighting Vardavar as a must-experience event for visitors seeking authentic immersion in local traditions. Blogs from sites like Visit promote the festival to international audiences, noting its appeal for interactive cultural encounters that boost seasonal .

Preservation and Heritage

Vardavar is officially recognized as an element of 's , listed in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of under the category of national holidays. It was nominated in 2011 for inscription on 's List of in Need of Urgent but was not inscribed due to insufficient on community involvement and safeguarding measures. This inclusion, managed by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, underscores governmental commitment to and safeguarding traditional festivals as vital components of Armenian identity. Documentation efforts involve compiling historical and ethnographic records to preserve the festival's rituals, origins, and regional variations, ensuring their transmission across generations. Preservation faces several challenges in the context of rapid modernization. has transformed Vardavar celebrations from rural, community-centered events to more urban, commercialized activities, potentially diluting traditional elements. Generational shifts pose another risk, as younger in urban areas may prioritize contemporary lifestyles over active participation in customary water rituals, leading to decreased intergenerational . exacerbates these issues by impacting water availability in arid regions. Government and non-governmental initiatives actively address these concerns through targeted programs. The "Arar: Safeguarding, Dissemination, Development, and Popularization of National Culture" program, launched in 2017 by the Center for Safeguarding Armenian National Art NGO in collaboration with regional authorities, operates in 40 communities across eight regions, engaging approximately 900 youth in free courses on folk traditions, including festival-related and performances. This aligns with Armenia's broader UNESCO-aligned strategies under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the , ratified in 2006, which emphasizes community involvement and education. Additionally, annual safeguarding plans validated by the government incorporate Vardavar, promoting its integration into school curricula on Armenian and to foster cultural awareness among students. Looking ahead, preservation efforts emphasize sustainable practices to secure Vardavar's continuity in a globalized world, ensuring the festival adapts without losing its core spiritual and communal essence.

References

  1. https://armenia.travel/articles/vardavar-armenian-water-festival/
  2. https://www.mecc.org/mecc/2021/7/7/the-armenian-vardavar-between-church-celebrations-and-popular-traditions
  3. https://www.thearmenianreport.com/post/armenia-celebrates-vardavar-ancient-water-festival-brings-joy-unity-and-cool-relief
  4. https://zainarmeniatour.com/en/blogs/vardavar-festival-in-armenia
  5. https://sites.berry.edu/mpapazian/adfontes/the-burning-rose-an-ode-to-vardavar-by-st-gregory-of-narek/
  6. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/when-point-splashy-holiday-getting-wet-180969520/
  7. https://armenianprelacy.org/2025/07/24/feast-of-the-transfiguration/
  8. https://armenianchurch.us/the-lord/feast-of-the-transfiguration/
  9. https://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/liturgical-year-of-the-armenian-apostolic-church/
  10. https://stjameswatertown.org/event/annual-vartavar-celebration/
  11. https://www.jpost.com/travel/jerusalem/third-time-lucky
  12. https://www.armenianchurch.org/en/videos/the-armenian-church-will-celebrate-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord-vardavar-on-july-7/5084
  13. https://www.wdacna.com/news/1264/Vardavar:-An-Extension-of-Our-Identity-in-the-Diaspora
  14. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/vardavar-a-traditional-armenian-festivity-00407
  15. https://today.infodatanews.com/vardavar/
  16. https://www.fyca.net/vardavar
  17. https://alphanews.am/en/vardavar-celebrated-in-russias-sochi/
  18. https://alphanews.am/en/armenian-festival-vardavar-celebrated-in-russian-cities/
  19. https://zartonkmedia.com/2025/07/29/4th-annual-vardavar-water-festival-draws-over-15000-attendees-unites-los-angeles-armenian-community-for-a-day-of-fun-and-cultural-celebration/
  20. https://haykforourheroes.org/event/vardavar-2022/
  21. https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/glendale-water-and-power/about-your-water/no-water-waste-policy-glendale-municipal-code
  22. https://ich.unesco.org/en/decisions/6.COM/8.2
  23. https://armenpress.am/en/article/741717
  24. https://www.armenia.travel/articles/vardavar-armenian-water-festival/
  25. https://traveltomorrow.com/a-dive-into-thailands-iconic-songkran-festival/
  26. https://armenpress.am/en/article/811880
  27. https://massispost.com/2025/07/over-160000-people-participate-in-vardavar-festivities-across-armenia/
  28. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/iran-and-armenia-make-its-tourism-and-cultural-ties-stronger-with-the-collaborations-on-cultural-heritage-and-handicrafts/
  29. https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/monitors/hsrm/all-updates/hsrm/armenia/physical-distancing
  30. https://int-heritage.am/en/arar/
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