Vardavar 2022
Hayk for Our Heroes hosted the the first annual Vardavar Water Festival at Verdugo Park in Glendale. The festival is one of many community building initiatives taken by the Los Angeles founded nonprofit since it was established in 2020.
This was the beginning of an annual tradition that has led to our most successful efforts to bring the Los Angeles-based Armenian community together. Armenians come together in one location to celebrate their lives, joys, and bonds together in a day of fun and celebration of culture. Our first Vardavar was even so successful that we came back with an even bigger celebration in 2023.
Vardavar is an ancient Armenian festival dating back to pagan times. It is traditionally associated with the goddess Astghik, who is the goddess of water, beauty, love, and fertility. In present times, Vardavar is celebrated in Armenia each summer, where people of all ages engage in a day of drenching each other with water. The festival is now being brought to the home of the largest Armenian diaspora as an effort to strengthen the community and connect them to their cultural roots. The event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, featuring local Armenian vendors, live entertainment, performances, food, designated water zones, and gaming areas.
