Every summer, for one unforgettable day, Armenians take a break from the heat by celebrating Vardavar—a nationwide water festival where everyone gets soaked.
On Vardavar, people splash water on friends, family, neighbors, and complete strangers. Buckets, water guns, hoses, fountains—anything goes. There’s only one rule: nobody is safe.
The tradition dates back to Armenia's pagan past, when Vardavar honored Astghik, the goddess of water, fertility, and love. The festival managed to survive Armenia’s conversion to Christianity through the Church associating it with the Transfiguration of Jesus, making it one of the five major feast days.
Today, Vardavar is celebrated across Armenia with joy, laughter, and lots of water. Young people gather around fountains and ponds armed with buckets, while others wait on balconies, ready to surprise unsuspecting passersby.
If you're visiting Armenia for Vardavar, wear clothes you don't mind getting wet—because you won’t stay dry for long!
The holiday falls on July 12 this year, always the 14th Sunday after Easter.
Happy Vardavar—and have fun!
