Where to Celebrate the New Year's Day in Yerevan
Best places to celebrate the New Year's day in the capital of Armenia.
The Significance of the Day
October 20-21 marks the 2800th anniversary of the founding of Armenia’s current capital Yerevan. Yerevan flourished as a city around the fortress Erebuni, founded by the Urartian King Argishti the First, in 782 B.C. The name “Yerevan” itself is an evolutionary transformation of “Erebuni”.
Archaeological excavations and diggings have come to witness that Erebuni fortress is, in reality, the founding pillar of Yerevan, being located in the capital’s south eastern part. One of the astounding evidences discovered during the excavations is a cuneiform script written by Argishti the First, the founder of Erebuni. The wedge writing states the following:
“By the greatness of the God Khaldi, Argishti, son of Menua, built this mighty stronghold and proclaimed it Erebuni for the glory of Biainili (Urartu) and to instill fear among the king's enemies. Argishti says: The land was a desert, before the great works I accomplished upon it. By the greatness of Khaldi, Argishti, son of Menua, is a mighty king, king of Biainili, and ruler of Tushpa."
What is more astonishing is that Yerevan is, in fact, older than 2800. Archaeologists have sound evidence to claim that the territory of Erebuni-Yerevan was settled much earlier. Fortified settlements dating back to the 4th millennium B.C. include Shengavit, Tsitsernakaberd, Teishebaini (Karmir Blur), Arin Berd, and Berdadzor, which constitute an inseparable part of Yerevan’s entirety.
So, when we say that Yerevan is 2800 years old, there is a strong conviction that the number is much bigger than that.
How can you get involved in #Yerevan2800 events?
Imagining that you can be present at the birthday celebration of Yerevan, the city that is around 30 years older than Rome, is breathtaking.
Throughout 2018, around 20 festivals have already been celebrated in Armenia, as part of Yerevan 2800’s collective calendar. But October 20-21 is going to be the culmination of all the festivities. In every corner of Yerevan’s city center, particularly at the central hubs like North Avenue, Opera House, Cascade and others, there will be plenty of cheerful celebrations. Events in Yerevan will involve songs, dances, handmade crafts exhibitions, various competitions, and other peculiarities, which will be an integral part of Erebuni-Yerevan 2800th anniversary. Thus, when you take part in all the fun activities, you will simultaneously visit places of interests in Yerevan, as well as learn about the Armenian culture.
With #Yerevan2800, Francophonie, and Areni Wine festival which will take place throughout the month October, Armenia is going to host an unprecedented number of tourists from all over the world. In addition, another important attribute by which Yerevan has been appealing tourists is the Velvet Revolution that took place in Armenia in the months of April and May. Lots of tourists are already visiting Armenia, and Yerevan in particular, to see this victorious country that fulfilled a peaceful revolution under the motto of “Love and Solidarity”. As you see, there are lots of reasons to visit Yerevan this fall.
What are you waiting for?
All things considered, Yerevan 2800 is a perfect opportunity to visit Armenia and get a first-hand experience of what it is like to participate in the birthday celebration of one the world’s oldest capitals. This is truly a historical moment.
Yerevan is calling! Pack your suitcases and head to Zvartnots Airport. If you are interested in how to plan your vacation to Armenia, you will certainly need some travel essentials pertaining to passports, Armenian visa policies, the most thrilling places to visit, and more. Feel free to consult different sections of our website, to make sure your visit is planned to the fullest.
Yerevan is waiting for you.
Schedule of Events - October 21, 2018
Yerevan Marathon
With the participation of 2800 runners
From 08:00, at Shahumyan Square
Multiethnic Yerevan
Stage of National Minorities
12:00 - 18:00, at English park
I am in Love with You, Yerevan
Cycling Race
12:00 - 13:00, Shahumyan square, V. Sargsyan, Amiryan, Mashtots, Koryun, Abovyan streets, Republic square, Tigran Mets, Erebuni museum
Sunny Yerevan
Festive programs for children
13:00 - 18:00, at Children’s Park after Kirov
Festive Yerevan
Brass bands parade
14:00 - 15:00, at Liberty square, Tumanyan str., Mashtots str., Amiryan str., Republic Square
My classical Yerevan
Classical music stage
14:00 – 18:00, in front of Yerevan State Conservatory
Yerevan sketches
Stage of music bands
15:00 - 18:00, at North Avenue
My Armenian Yerevan
Stage for national songs and dances
16:00 - 22:00, at Liberty Square
My Jazz Yerevan
Jazz music stage
16:00 - 21:00, at Cascade
Yerevan Rock
Rock music stage
17:00 - 22:00, at Aznavour Square
From Urartu up to these days
Taraz (national costumes) exhibition
18:00 - 19:00, at North Avenue
Gala Concert
19:30 - 21:00, at Republic Square
Fireworks
21:30
*Yerevan History Museum - Free Entry
11:00 - 19:00, 1 Argishti 1
*Erebuni Fortress-Museum - Free Entry
11:00 - 19:00, Erebuni street