Vardavar: Armenia’s Epic Summer Water Fight

It’s mid-July in Armenia, and the summer sun is in full command - hot, and bright. Just as you begin to crave a cool breeze or a sip of water, something unexpected happens. A splash from a passing bucket, a stream from a mischievous child’s water gun, or a surprise soak from a balcony above. Welcome to Vardavar, Armenia’s wildest, most joyful summer tradition, where everyone gets wet and no one is off-limits! Whether you're a tourist, a local, or just passing through, you're part of the fun. So put your valuables in a ziplock bag, grab your water gun, and get ready to dive headfirst into a celebration like no other.

This 24-hour splash-fueled celebration, despite being one of Armenia’s most famous modern festivals, actually predates both Spain’s La Tomatina and Italy’s Battle of Oranges. It draws upon the Christian tradition of the Transfiguration, with origins dating as far back as the Pagan observance of the goddess Astghik. Today, it’s a massive country-wide water fight where everyone is invited, and nobody is spared. 

Vardavar’s Beginning: Tracing the Holiday Back to Goddess Astghik

Beginning as an ancient Pagan holiday dedicated to the gods Nar and Astghik, the goddess of beauty, love, fertility, and water, the meaning behind the name Vardavar has long been debated and received different explanations in various historical sources.   

Some say “Vardavar” comes from vard, the Armenian word for “rose”— since rosewater was used in rituals honoring the goddess Astghik. Others link it to older roots like vadar (water) and arr (splash). Either way, the name hints at the same thing: a celebration of water and joy.

A Christian Vardavar celebration shaped by ancient traditions

During the adoption of Christianity in Armenia in the early 4th century many holidays were transformed into Christian holidays. Vardavar, would be reinterpreted by the Armenian Church as the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, celebrating the moment that Jesus revealed his divine nature to his believers. Even though the meaning of the holiday was changed, the act of celebration remained the same as people continued to splash water on one another. Enthusiasm for celebrating this holiday hasn’t waned over the years, gaining new meaning in a Christian society. 

Modern Vardavar: Armenia’s National Water Festival 

Among the most anticipated celebrations in the Armenian festival calendar,  Vardavar has evolved from sacred rituals for love, fertility and harvest into one of the most joyful and anticipated summer holidays. It has become an integral part of Armenian Culture. The entire country’s population impatiently waits for that one day each year when Armenia turns into a giant nation-wide water-fight whose scale is unmatched anywhere else in the world․

Armenians of all ages roam the streets armed with bottles, buckets, water guns and splashing water onto anyone they come across, from innocent bystanders to cherished family members. No one is spared. Tradition demands that every single Armenian be hit with some amount of water on that day, no matter how little.

Vardavar celebrations also vary across Armenia, with different regions developing their own unique water-based traditions to welcome the harvest.

When is Vardavar celebrated and Why it Matters Today 

Armenians’ pagan ancestors usually celebrated Vardavar in August, which was associated with the ancient ritual of Navasard. The Armenian Church’s iteration of the festival, however, is tied to the christian calendar, typically being celebrated 98 days after Easter, thus falling anywhere between June 28 and August 1. 

Conclusion 

While today, Vardavar is more of a giant country-wide water fight designed to fight off the summer heat many unsuspecting tourists have been caught off guard. So remember to put your valuables in a ziplock bag if you intend on leaving the house, preemptively wear a bathing suit, and bring your own water gun to get the most out of this celebration. 

Asking people not to spray you? That’s practically an invitation to be splashed even more.  Join in the fun at plazas known for their water features, such as the dancing fountain at Republic Square, or Swan Lake at Freedom Square in Yerevan. 

Vardavar is a once-in-a-lifetime splash into Armenian culture you won’t want to miss. It's the most iconic water festival in Armenia. We’re waiting for you.