Armenia Public Holidays

National holiday dates for 2026 and 2027 — plan your Yerevan trip, cultural visits and Armenia eVisa timeline around official non-working days.

Armenia National Public Holidays — Why They Matter for Travelers

Planning a trip to Yerevan, Lake Sevan or the monasteries of the South Caucasus? Knowing the Armenia public holiday calendar helps you book flights, hotels and your Armenia eVisa at the right time.

National holidays are official non-working days across the Republic of Armenia. Museums, banks and some shops may close or operate reduced hours, while cultural sites and city festivals often draw larger local crowds — especially around Independence Day, Genocide Remembrance Day and the Armenian Apostolic Christmas season.

This guide lists fixed-date holidays for 2026 and 2027, plus moveable Orthodox Easter dates. Confirm final bridge-day decrees with official sources before travel — the government occasionally adds compensatory days when a holiday falls on a weekend.

Armenia Public Holidays 2026

Fixed civil holidays plus Armenian Apostolic Easter dates. Weekday column uses the Gregorian calendar.

Date Day Holiday Description
January 1 Thursday New Year's Day Start of the Gregorian calendar year. Families gather for festive meals; Republic Square in Yerevan hosts concerts and fireworks.
January 2 Friday New Year Holiday Second day of the extended New Year break. Many businesses remain closed as Armenians continue year-end celebrations.
January 6 Tuesday Christmas Eve (Armenian Apostolic) Eve of Nativity and Theophany in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Candlelit services and traditional fasting meals precede midnight liturgy.
January 7 Wednesday Christmas (Armenian Apostolic) Armenia celebrates Christmas on 6 January in the Julian calendar tradition, observed on 7 January in civil life. Church services and family visits mark the day.
January 28 Wednesday Army Day Honours the Armed Forces of Armenia. Military parades and wreath-laying ceremonies commemorate defenders of the nation.
March 8 Sunday International Women's Day A public holiday recognising women's contributions. Flowers and gifts are exchanged; many offices and schools are closed.
April 10 Friday Good Friday Solemn services recall the crucifixion in the Armenian Apostolic tradition. Churches across Yerevan and Etchmiadzin hold evening liturgies.
April 12 Sunday Easter Sunday (Holy Pascha) The greatest feast of the Armenian Church. Families break the Lenten fast with coloured eggs, chorek bread and visits to relatives.
April 13 Monday Easter Monday Continuation of Pascha celebrations. Many Armenians travel to monasteries such as Geghard and Khor Virap for pilgrimage day trips.
April 14 Tuesday Memorial Day of the Dead (Merelots) Day to honour deceased relatives. Cemetery visits and requiem services are customary throughout Armenia.
April 24 Friday Genocide Remembrance Day National day of mourning for the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Silent processions lead to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan.
May 1 Friday Labour Day International Workers' Day. A spring public holiday when parks and cafés in Yerevan fill with families enjoying the warmer weather.
May 9 Saturday Victory and Peace Day Commemorates the Soviet victory in World War II and the liberation of Shushi in 1992. Veterans are honoured at memorial events nationwide.
May 28 Thursday First Republic Day Marks the 1918 declaration of the First Republic of Armenia. Flag-raising ceremonies celebrate modern statehood and national identity.
July 5 Sunday Constitution Day Observes the adoption of Armenia's constitution. Civic events highlight democratic institutions and the rule of law.
September 21 Monday Independence Day Celebrates independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Parades, concerts and fireworks take place in Yerevan and regional capitals.

When a holiday falls on a weekend, the Government of Armenia may declare a compensatory weekday off — check official announcements before finalising travel dates.

Armenia Public Holidays 2027

Same national observances as 2026 with updated weekdays and moveable Easter dates.

Date Day Holiday Description
January 1 Friday New Year's Day Start of the Gregorian calendar year. Families gather for festive meals; Republic Square in Yerevan hosts concerts and fireworks.
January 2 Saturday New Year Holiday Second day of the extended New Year break. Many businesses remain closed as Armenians continue year-end celebrations.
January 6 Wednesday Christmas Eve (Armenian Apostolic) Eve of Nativity and Theophany in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Candlelit services and traditional fasting meals precede midnight liturgy.
January 7 Thursday Christmas (Armenian Apostolic) Armenia celebrates Christmas on 6 January in the Julian calendar tradition, observed on 7 January in civil life. Church services and family visits mark the day.
January 28 Thursday Army Day Honours the Armed Forces of Armenia. Military parades and wreath-laying ceremonies commemorate defenders of the nation.
March 8 Monday International Women's Day A public holiday recognising women's contributions. Flowers and gifts are exchanged; many offices and schools are closed.
April 2 Friday Good Friday Solemn services recall the crucifixion in the Armenian Apostolic tradition. Churches across Yerevan and Etchmiadzin hold evening liturgies.
April 4 Sunday Easter Sunday (Holy Pascha) The greatest feast of the Armenian Church. Families break the Lenten fast with coloured eggs, chorek bread and visits to relatives.
April 5 Monday Easter Monday Continuation of Pascha celebrations. Many Armenians travel to monasteries such as Geghard and Khor Virap for pilgrimage day trips.
April 6 Tuesday Memorial Day of the Dead (Merelots) Day to honour deceased relatives. Cemetery visits and requiem services are customary throughout Armenia.
April 24 Saturday Genocide Remembrance Day National day of mourning for the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Silent processions lead to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan.
May 1 Saturday Labour Day International Workers' Day. A spring public holiday when parks and cafés in Yerevan fill with families enjoying the warmer weather.
May 9 Sunday Victory and Peace Day Commemorates the Soviet victory in World War II and the liberation of Shushi in 1992. Veterans are honoured at memorial events nationwide.
May 28 Friday First Republic Day Marks the 1918 declaration of the First Republic of Armenia. Flag-raising ceremonies celebrate modern statehood and national identity.
July 5 Monday Constitution Day Observes the adoption of Armenia's constitution. Civic events highlight democratic institutions and the rule of law.
September 21 Tuesday Independence Day Celebrates independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Parades, concerts and fireworks take place in Yerevan and regional capitals.

Easter-related dates follow the Armenian Apostolic (Julian) calendar and differ from Western Easter in most years.

Travel Planning Around Armenian Holidays

  • Apply your eVisa early

    Standard processing takes 3–4 business days. Submit before peak holiday weeks so approval is ready before departure.

  • Expect busy memorial days

    24 April and 9 May bring ceremonies in Yerevan. Roads near Tsitsernakaberd and Republic Square may be restricted.

  • Monasteries stay open

    Major churches such as Geghard and Echmiadzin hold special services on religious holidays — a memorable cultural experience.

  • Book transport ahead

    Domestic travel around New Year, Easter and Independence Day fills quickly. Reserve Yerevan–Gyumri or Sevan routes in advance.

Need entry documents? Review visa requirements, check the eligible countries list or read the Armenia travel guide for seasonal sightseeing advice.

Public Holidays FAQ

Armenia observes roughly 15–17 national non-working days annually, combining fixed civil holidays with moveable Armenian Apostolic Easter dates. The exact count may change if the government adds bridge days.

Standard eVisa review takes 3–4 business days on working days. Applying well before major holiday weeks — especially New Year, Easter and Independence Day — reduces the risk of travel-date pressure. Track progress on the status page.

Genocide Remembrance Day is a solemn national observance, not a festival. Visitors are welcome to pay respects at Tsitsernakaberd; dress modestly and expect large crowds and road closures near the memorial.

Late spring (May public holidays) and early autumn offer pleasant weather for monasteries and Lake Sevan. See our Armenia travel guide for seasonal tips. Obtain your eVisa online before booking non-refundable flights.

Ready to Visit Armenia?

Secure your entry authorisation before peak holiday travel. Most applicants receive an approval within 3–4 business days.

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