Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated on September 21 and symbolizes the revival of Armenian statehood, which was interrupted in 1920 by the establishment of Soviet power. On August 23, 1990, the Supreme Council of Armenia adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the creation of the Republic of Armenia. On September 21, 1991, a referendum was held in which the people voted in favor of leaving the USSR. In November, the first president, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, was elected, and on December 26, Armenia gained full independence following the dissolution of the USSR. In Armenia, festive events are held in the capital Yerevan and in all cities. Every five years, a military parade takes place at Republic Square, involving units of the Armed Forces and foreign military participants. The parades are accompanied by the national anthem, official speeches, and displays of military equipment. Military parades were held in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2006, 2011, and 2016. The 2016 parade was the largest in Armenia’s history and included international peacekeeping brigades. In 2021, for the 30th anniversary of independence, a concert was held instead of a parade. Independence Day is also celebrated by Armenian communities in Russia, Lebanon, the USA, and other countries. In the USA, youth organizations organize cultural programs and meetings. This holiday is important for preserving national identity and statehood, encompassing historical, cultural, and military elements.