“Gyumri Winter” Celebration and Bun Barekendan

February 7 was a unique celebration for the city. The traditional “Gyumri Winter” festival was held in the area surrounding the Mother Armenia Memorial Complex in Gyumri and, this year, coincided with the traditional Armenian church feast of Bun Barekendan.

The event brought together the city’s high-ranking officials, clergy, as well as representatives of educational, cultural, social, and youth organizations. Each institution presented itself through its own pavilion and artistic performances.

The “Yntaniq” Children and Youth Creative Center of Gyumri also participated in the celebration with traditional Armenian dishes characteristic of the occasion, a theatrical performance, singing, and dancing. The students of the Center’s theater group performed Tumanyan’s “Barekendan” for the gathered audience. The talented young performers captivated those present, as well as representatives of the mass media, attracting a large audience. Through their performance, the young future actors conveyed joy, entertainment, and everything characteristic of the spirit of the holiday.

The positive response demonstrated that Barekendan has long been one of the most beloved Armenian celebrations.

The Center also participated in the festival by displaying a variety of traditional puppets and figures associated with the holiday, as well as various works of national crafts and arts, which aroused particular interest and admiration among visitors.

H. Sargsyan