Armenia Public Holidays
Armenia Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Armenia? All public holidays in Armenia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Armenia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Armenia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Overview
New Year’s Day is one of the most significant public holidays in Armenia. It marks the beginning of the year and is celebrated with various festive events, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. This holiday is celebrated on January 1st and is a public holiday for all citizens of Armenia.
Celebrations
On New Year’s Eve, Armenians typically hold grand feasts, and many people attend parties or events to celebrate the arrival of the new year. It is also a time for families to come together, enjoy traditional foods, and exchange well wishes for the upcoming year.
Days Off
This is a public holiday with a day off for everyone. People generally take time off to celebrate with family and friends.
Armenian Christmas (January 6)
Overview
Armenian Christmas is celebrated on January 6, which is different from Christmas in many other Christian countries, where it falls on December 25. This celebration is of great religious significance as it commemorates both the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ. The Armenian Apostolic Church, which is the national church, observes this holiday with a focus on the spiritual meaning of Christ’s birth.
Celebrations
The day is marked by attending church services, which are solemn and often include a special liturgy. The traditional Christmas meal features dishes such as fish, rice pilaf, and other typical Armenian foods. The Christmas tree is also decorated, and gifts are exchanged in some families.
Days Off
Armenian Christmas is a public holiday, and most people are given a day off from work. It is also recognized as a religious holiday for Armenians, particularly those who follow the Armenian Apostolic Church.
International Women’s Day (March 8)
Overview
International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide, and Armenia is no exception. This day is dedicated to honoring the achievements, contributions, and rights of women across the globe. In Armenia, it is a public holiday that recognizes the importance of women in society and acknowledges their struggles and successes.
Celebrations
In Armenia, International Women’s Day is marked by giving flowers, gifts, and showing appreciation to the women in one’s life. Many schools and workplaces organize events to honor women. Men often give flowers, and there are social and cultural events that highlight women’s achievements.
Days Off
Though International Women’s Day is a public holiday, it is not necessarily a non-working day for all groups of people. However, in some sectors, it may be a day off for women, with special events and recognition taking place.
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day (April 24)
Overview
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, observed on April 24th each year, is one of the most significant and somber national holidays in Armenia. It marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide, which occurred between 1915 and 1923, during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. This day is a solemn occasion to remember and honor the victims of the genocide.
Celebrations
The day is primarily marked by remembrance activities, including ceremonies, commemorations, and public speeches. Armenians across the globe visit memorials, with the most prominent one being the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan. Schools and universities often hold educational events, and there are moments of silence to reflect on the genocide’s historical significance.
Days Off
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day is a public holiday in Armenia, and most people are given the day off to participate in memorial services or to reflect on the history of the genocide. It is a day of reflection and is deeply significant to Armenians both in Armenia and across the world.
Labor Day (May 1)
Overview
Labor Day is an international holiday celebrated in many countries to honor workers and their rights. In Armenia, Labor Day is celebrated on May 1st and is dedicated to acknowledging the contributions and struggles of workers. This day is a national holiday, reflecting the values of solidarity and justice for working people.
Celebrations
In Armenia, Labor Day is typically marked by public events, parades, and political speeches. Many workers take part in demonstrations or gatherings to express solidarity. There are often discussions about workers’ rights and labor reforms.
Days Off
Labor Day is a public holiday, and most workers receive the day off to participate in activities or relax. It is an official holiday for all groups of people in Armenia.
Victory and Peace Day (May 9)
Overview
Victory and Peace Day is celebrated on May 9th and commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany during World War II. It is also a day to honor the sacrifices made by Armenian soldiers and civilians during the war. This day is significant not only for its historical importance but also for its focus on peace and remembrance.
Celebrations
Victory and Peace Day is marked by a range of ceremonies and events. One of the most prominent is the laying of flowers at war memorials, particularly in Yerevan. There are military parades, concerts, and public gatherings to celebrate peace and the end of the war. It is also a day to honor the veterans of the Great Patriotic War.
Days Off
Victory and Peace Day is a public holiday in Armenia, and most people have the day off to reflect on the significance of the day, attend ceremonies, or spend time with family. It is recognized as a holiday for everyone.
Constitution Day (July 5)
Overview
Constitution Day in Armenia is celebrated on July 5th, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia in 1995. This day is significant as it represents the establishment of the legal and political framework of the modern Armenian state. The day celebrates the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Celebrations
On Constitution Day, there are public events that focus on Armenia’s constitutional history, its progress since independence, and its commitment to democratic values. Government officials, political leaders, and citizens participate in discussions and ceremonies.
Days Off
Constitution Day is a public holiday, and most people have a day off to celebrate the significance of the Armenian Constitution. It is recognized for all groups in Armenia.
Assumption of the Holy Mother of God (August 15)
Overview
The Assumption of the Holy Mother of God is an important religious holiday in Armenia, celebrated on August 15th. It marks the day when the Virgin Mary is believed to have ascended to heaven, body and soul. This holiday holds great significance for Armenians, especially those who follow the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Celebrations
The Assumption is observed by attending church services, especially in rural areas and villages. There are traditional rituals, feasts, and prayers to honor the Virgin Mary. Special liturgies are held, and many Armenians make pilgrimages to sacred sites.
Days Off
The Assumption of the Holy Mother of God is a public holiday, and most people have the day off. It is also a religious holiday for those who follow the Armenian Apostolic Church, which plays an important role in Armenia’s national identity.
Independence Day (September 21)
Overview
Independence Day in Armenia, celebrated on September 21st, commemorates Armenia’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This day is a national holiday that reflects the country’s sovereignty and the achievements made since independence.
Celebrations
Independence Day is marked by large public celebrations, including parades, concerts, and fireworks. There are speeches by political leaders and representatives of the government. Citizens express their pride in Armenia’s independence and its progress as a nation.
Days Off
Independence Day is a public holiday in Armenia, and most people are given the day off to participate in celebrations, attend events, or relax with family.
Armenian Language Day (October 5)
Overview
Armenian Language Day is celebrated on October 5th and is dedicated to honoring the Armenian language and its role in Armenian identity. This day highlights the importance of preserving the language and promoting its use across generations.
Celebrations
On Armenian Language Day, there are various cultural events, educational programs, and public speeches to celebrate the Armenian language. Schools often organize contests, reading sessions, and performances to encourage the younger generation to embrace their linguistic heritage.
Days Off
Armenian Language Day is not an official public holiday in Armenia, but it is recognized as a cultural and educational observance.
Table: Public Holidays in Armenia and Days Off
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People Recognized |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Armenian Christmas | January 6 | 1 day off | All citizens, particularly religious |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Varies (generally 1 day off for women) | Women and general public |
| Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day | April 24 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Labor Day | May 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Victory and Peace Day | May 9 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Constitution Day | July 5 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Assumption of the Holy Mother of God | August 15 | 1 day off | Religious citizens (Armenian Apostolic Church) |
| Independence Day | September 21 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Armenian Language Day | October 5 | Not a public holiday | All citizens (Cultural/educational observance) |
