What is the second most popular winter holiday after Christmas? Chances are, you’ll probably think of Valentine’s Day. Celebrated globally, this day dedicated to love is the perfect opportunity to explore romantic holidays in Armenia.
Armenia with its traditional winter festivities adds a unique charm to this season. One of them is St. Sargis Day which somehow echoes the story of Valentine’s Day. Another one is a religious holiday, the feast of purification celebrated by the Armenian Apostolic Church or simply Trndez. Interestingly, Valentine’s Day is also celebrated here, and you can find pink and red balloons and heart-shaped cakes in the stores. Thus, from late January to mid-February, Armenians have a unique “marathon of love holidays”.
Considering Armenia as a romantic getaway? This blog is your go-to guide. We will help with perfect destinations and will explore the history of “romantic holidays”.
St. Sarkis Holiday
Now let’s see what a traditional Armenian lovers’ holiday looks like. St. Sarkis Day is observed by the Armenian Apostolic Church. St. Sarkis is a patron of young lovers. Together with his 14 companions, Sarkis was martyred for the sake of the Christian faith. The holiday itself is celebrated on the third week before Lent.
St. Sarkis lived in the 4th century, serving under Emperor Constantine the Great. A devout Christian, Sarkis played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity. However, under Emperor Julian the Apostate, a persecutor of Christians, he had to flee to Armenia. Sarkis later served under Sassanid emperor Shapur II but refused to renounce his faith, leading to his martyrdom.
The holiday combines Christian and pagan elements, especially evident in the custom of eating a salty pancake the night before. Young Armenians eat a very salty pancake and do not drink or eat afterward to see their future spouse bringing water in their dreams.
St. Sarkis is usually depicted on a white horse. Another fading tradition involves leaving flour from fried wheat outdoors, with the hope that St. Sarkis would leave a hoofprint. It was considered a sign of his heavenly blessing for marriage.
Trndez
Trndez is a feat of purification in the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated on February 13. Originating from pagan traditions, Trndez marks the arrival of spring and fertility, rooted in ancient pre-Christian Armenian customs of sun and fire worship.
Central to Trndez is the ritual of jumping over a bonfire. The couples that are newly married jump over the bonfire which symbolizes a strong, everlasting bond. Young people hold hands while jumping, and it’s believed that successfully leaping over will lead to enduring relationships.
Traditionally young couples go to the church that day, and the bonfire is set in the churchyard. Although the newlyweds are the first to jump over the fire, other young people also have a chance to do so. The legend says the young people will marry soon if they touch the fire when jumping.
Romantic Getaways for Couples
Armenia, with its breathtaking landscapes, is a great place for those seeking romantic getaways for couples.
The country has recently seen a rise in unique accommodations, particularly glamping, and houses with panoramic mountain views, providing an ideal setting for romance and relaxation. Small cabins with glass walls somewhere in the mountains are a new trend.
You can choose different locations. Some are located near Yerevan, for example, in Geghard, the others will require you to travel longer but you can find yourself far away from the cities. These glamorous camping spots combine the adventure of outdoor living with modern comforts. Imagine waking up to the sunrise over majestic mountains.
These mountain retreats aren’t just about the views; they often offer activities like hiking, horseback riding, and local culinary experiences. Moreover, you always have a chance to explore nearby historical sites and medieval monasteries.
If you prefer more crowded places, choose one of the hotels in Tsakhkadzor, Dilijan, Sevan, or Lastiver. A spectacular view is always there in addition to luxury amenities, pools, or a bathroom with a view.
Tsakhkadzor
If you do not want to travel too far from Yerevan, pick Tsakhkadzor. It’s popular as a ski resort and for being an idyllic romantic place. In addition to many hotels and restaurants, there is a ropeway, the highlight of the resort town. The ropeway works during summer and autumn so even if you are not a ski enthusiast, you can spend a romantic day in the mountains. There are also dozens of high-quality restaurants and cafes to have a great evening.
Sevan
Lake Sevan can also be a great option for couples looking for a romantic escape. You can book a tour on a boat in summer to enjoy the stunning views of clear water and surrounding mountains. Another option is to have a romantic lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants with panoramic views.
Hiking in Dilijan
This monotonous town offers a perfect blend of adventure and romance. Surrounded by forested trails it’s an ideal place for couples seeking privacy amidst tranquility. You can make a stop near Parz Lake, a perfect place to enjoy nature. Booking a cycling tour or a horseback ride in the mountains – isn’t it a perfect romantic date?
Summing up
Now that you know everything about local holidays and romantic spots, you can contact Levon Travel agency to book an ideal journey for a couple. We offer dozens of tours to Armenia ranging from luxury tours to motorbike adventures. It depends on what you believe is an ideal destination and activity for your couples. So, if you haven’t thought about spending romantic holidays in Armenia yet, we can give you an idea of an unforgettable adventure.