Public Holidays in Armenia 2024
Armenia observes several public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, and religious significance. These holidays are celebrated with various traditions, ceremonies, and festivities, bringing together people from all walks of life. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Armenia for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
New Year’s Day (Նոր տարվա առաջին օր) – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day, known as Նոր տարվա առաջին օր in Armenian, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and fireworks displays across Armenia, as people welcome the new year with hope and joy.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Armenia, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Armenian Christmas (Սուրբ Ծնունդ) – January 6, 2024
Armenian Christmas, or Սուրբ Ծնունդ in Armenian, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Unlike in many other countries, Armenian Christmas is observed on January 6th, following the Armenian Apostolic Church’s tradition. It is marked with religious services, processions, and traditional meals shared with family and friends.
Days off: Armenian Christmas is not a public holiday in Armenia, but it is widely celebrated by Armenians, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to participate in religious observances.
Women’s Day (Կանանց օր) – March 8, 2024
Women’s Day, or Կանանց օր in Armenian, celebrates the achievements and contributions of women to society. It is a day to honor women’s rights, equality, and empowerment, with many events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness of gender issues and promoting gender equality.
Days off: Women’s Day is not a public holiday in Armenia, but it is widely recognized and celebrated, with some businesses and institutions organizing special events or offering treats to female employees.
International Workers’ Day (Աշխատողի օր) – May 1, 2024
International Workers’ Day, or Աշխատողի օր in Armenian, commemorates the achievements of the labor movement and the struggle for workers’ rights. It is a day of demonstrations, rallies, and marches organized by trade unions and workers’ organizations across Armenia.
Days off: International Workers’ Day is a public holiday in Armenia, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Victory and Peace Day (Հաղթանակի և խաղաղության օր) – May 9, 2024
Victory and Peace Day, or Հաղթանակի և խաղաղության օր in Armenian, commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in World War II. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of the Armenian people during the war and to celebrate peace and freedom.
Days off: Victory and Peace Day is a public holiday in Armenia, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Republic Day (Հանրապետության օր) – May 28, 2024
Republic Day, or Հանրապետության օր in Armenian, commemorates the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918. It is a day to celebrate Armenian independence and sovereignty, with patriotic events, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances.
Days off: Republic Day is a public holiday in Armenia, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Constitution Day (Սահմանադրության օր) – July 5, 2024
Constitution Day, or Սահմանադրության օր in Armenian, commemorates the adoption of the Armenian Constitution in 1995. It is a day to reflect on the principles of democracy, rule of law, and human rights enshrined in the constitution.
Days off: Constitution Day is a public holiday in Armenia, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Independence Day (Անկախության օր) – September 21, 2024
Independence Day, or Անկախության օր in Armenian, commemorates Armenia’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It is a day of national pride and celebration, with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural events held across the country.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Armenia, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Army Day (բանակի օր) – January 28, 2024
Army Day, or բանակի օր in Armenian, celebrates the Armenian Armed Forces and their role in defending the nation’s sovereignty and security. It is a day to honor military personnel and veterans, with ceremonies, parades, and patriotic events.
Days off: Army Day is not a public holiday in Armenia, but it is recognized and celebrated, particularly by military personnel and their families.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Armenia 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Armenian Christmas | January 6 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Some businesses, Educational |
| Women’s Day | March 8 | Celebration of women’s achievements | Some businesses, Educational |
| International Workers’ Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers’ rights | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Victory and Peace Day | May 9 | Commemoration of victory in World War II | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Republic Day | May 28 | Celebration of Armenian independence | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Constitution Day | July 5 | Commemoration of the adoption of the constitution | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Independence Day | September 21 | Celebration of Armenian independence | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Army Day | January 28 | Celebration of the Armenian Armed Forces | Some businesses, Educational |