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Fun festival in Armenia - Sheep shearing

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If you want to attend the strangest festival in Europe, then Sheep shearing festival is what you are looking for. Sheep shearing is done in almost all the countries, but as a festival, it is not common so it is fun to participate in it and it is for sure different from any other event that you attended before. This festival takes place once a year in June. The day is always announced on their Facebook page. This year it will be held on 9th of June. The festival always takes in Syunik, the southern province of Armenia (in Syunik animal market).

©iStock/N-sky
©iStock/N-sky

credits to N-sky

Sheep Shearing festival
Sheep Shearing festival
G87Q+8PG, Goris, Armenia

Sheep shearing in the begging of summer is a tradition in Armenia. Oh, poor animals, you will say now, but believe it or not, animals also have their benefit. It helps sheep to survive the summer heat of Armenia and, by the winter, new curly “wool” is grown. First of all, random people do not participate in shearing process itself (instead they follow it), and it is done by professionals to make sure that animals are not hurt. On the other hand, the wool is used for different purposes such as carpet weaving, making eco mattresses, blankets, etc.

©iStock/Bene_A
©iStock/Bene_A

Well, this is really a well-organized festival. There are not only local sheep shearing professionals but also international professionals who are invited to participate in the event. During the event, a competition for the best “sheep shearers” of different provinces of Armenia is organized as well. There is also an exhibition and fair where local producers of Vayots dzor and Syunik provinces represent their production. Here you will definitely grab some homemade drinks and sweets to take to your countries. Besides, there are also other competitions and games organized by the hosts for all guests.

Tom Roberts, Shearing the Rams, between 1888 and 1890, oil  on  canvas mounted on  board, 122.4 x 183.3 cm, collection National Gallery of Victoria. ©commons.wikimedia/Money Alex 2008
Tom Roberts, Shearing the Rams, between 1888 and 1890, oil on canvas mounted on board, 122.4 x 183.3 cm, collection National Gallery of Victoria. ©commons.wikimedia/Money Alex 2008

Shearing the Rams by Tom Roberts

All of this becomes completed by traditional folk dances, music, and songs performed for the guests. In order to please kids, some entertaining activities are planned for them as well. In the Syunik Mountains, the air is super fresh. It takes not more than an hour to feel hunger. So, you can stop by the food court of the festival to taste delicious food.

©iStock/Victoria Shelest
©iStock/Victoria Shelest

credits to Victoria Shelest

Sheep shearing festival is a fun thing. Here you can meet new people, enjoy the beauty of Armenian nature, have good food, dance, see how sheep are sheared and another good idea would be to visit the Tatev monastery, Tatevr ropeway and Harsnadzor that are nearby.

©iStock/Enjoylife2
©iStock/Enjoylife2

credits to Enjoylife2

Syunik animal market
Syunik animal market
Khot 3209, Armenia
Syunik Province
Syunik Province
G87Q+8PG, Goris, Armenia
Tatev monastery
Tatev monastery
H45, Tatev 3218, Armenië
TaTever Wings of Tatev Ropeway
TaTever Wings of Tatev Ropeway
Tatev 3218, Armenia
Harsnadzor Watchtower
Harsnadzor Watchtower
Halidzor 3211, Armenia

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The author

Lusine Vardanyan

Lusine Vardanyan

I’m Lusine, from Armenia. I like to travel and explore new places. I'm interested in art, culture, music and sports. On itinari I’ll show you Armenia the way I see it.

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