Here’s our roundup of events happening both in Yerevan and outside the capital this February. We’ll be updating this list of events in February as more come along – there’s always something exciting happening in Armenia.
Outdoor Activities
Trndez Celebrations
Date: February 13, 2024
Location: Everywhere!
Also known as Tyarnuntaraj (quite a mouthful, we know), this is a feast of purification celebrated by the Armenian Apostolic Church 40 days after Christmas, which is observed on January 6 in Armenia. Officially observed to commemorate the presentation of Jesus Christ to the Temple in Jerusalem following his birth, Trndez actually has pagan roots in Armenia. In streets and courtyards all across Armenia, you’ll notice local people lighting small fires which they will subsequently jump over. In ancient Armenia, the holiday was associated with the worship of Vahagn – god of the sun, fire, war and courage, and the Armenian counterpart of the Zoroastrian god of victory Verethragna. The purifying qualities of fire were at the center of pre-Christian Armenian tradition. According to several sources, people believed that the strength of fire would eradicate the winter’s cold and allow for fertile land and a prosperous harvest. Today, local people jump over the fire for good fortune. Newly weds in particular are encouraged to jump over fires together, hand in hand, so that they may have many healthy children. Likewise, unmarried young people also jump over fires on this day in the hopes that they may get married soon. Be on the lookout for small bonfires around Armenia on February 13 and join the festivities. If you’re in Yerevan, head toSaint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in downtown for live music and traditional songs and dances.Read more about Trndez here.
-46 °C Winter Festival
Date: February 25, 2024
Location: Amasia village, Shirak Province
Discover the magic of winter at the -46 °C Winter Festival on February 25, from 12-6pm in Amasia village. The Shirak region is the coldest part of Armenia, the perfect venue for an outdoor winter festival. You can expect outdoor activities like snowboarding, tubing, snowkiting, and skiing, as well as local foods, refreshing drinks, and live music, all against the stunning backdrop of Shirak's snowy landscapes.
Valentine’s Day Events
Valentine’s Day with Garik and Sona
Date: February 14, 2024
Location: Platform, Yerevan
Tickets and more here
Garik and Sona are a musical duo that gives an alt rock twist to traditional Armenian folk songs. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other, or with friends, while jamming to local favorites, followed by a dance party hosted by a local DJ.
Valentine’s Day with a Eurovision Participant
Date: February 14, 2023
Location: Mezzo
Srbuk, a local artist that represented Armenia at Eurovision in 2019, will be performing live on Valentine’s Day at Mezzo near the Cascade. If you’re a Eurovision fan, this is your chance to see a Eurovision artist up close and personal.
Valentine’s Day with Gor Sujyan
Date: February 14, 2024
Location: EPOS
Contemporary Armenian Music
Nemra Band performance
Date: February 3, 2024
Location: Hin Ani Music Hall
Nemra is a contemporary Armenian rock band performing a mix of traditional Armenian favorites as well as their own original compositions. If you want a taste of what locals are vibing to these days, Nemra is not to be missed.
Traditional Armenian Music
Akunq Ethnographic Ensemble performance
Date: February 9, 2024
Location: Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall
If you’re interested in experiencing traditional Armenian music and dance from different regions of modern and historic Armenia, head to this live performance by the Akunq Ethnographic Ensemble.
Tagharan Ensemble performance
Date: February 8, 2024
Location: National Center of Chamber Music
For an eclectic mix of folk and classic Armenian music spanning the middle ages to the 20th century, this is the concert to go to in February.
Gousan Ensemble “Return To The Roots” performance
Date: February 11, 2024
Location: Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall
Tickets and more
Gusans were medieval Armenian troubadours who criss-crossed the countryside singing ballads and telling stories of old. This concert will give you an idea of what one of these medieval performances would have been like in the old days.
Classical Music
Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert on piano
Date: February 10, 2024
Location: Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall
Tickets and more
Listen to the classics on piano by Armen Babakhanyan in the Opera House, conducted by Eduard Topchian.
Mahler Symphony No. 1 “Titan”
Date: February 8, 2024
Location: Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall
Jubilee concert dedicated to Maestro Tigran Mansuryan
Date: February 4, 2024
Location: National Center of Chamber Music
Tickets and more
Featured Performers:
Our Lady of Armenia Choir
National Chamber Choir of Armenia
National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia
Photos: Discover Armenia, Armenian National Music, -46 °C Winter Festival, Eurovision.tv, 1TV.am, Babajanyan Hall, Gousan Folk Ensemble.
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