YEREVAN. – Armenia is marking Sunday the feast of Transfiguration of Jesus, which is also known as “Vardavar” among Armenians (PHOTOS).

Vardavar is one of Armenian Apostolic Church’s five main feasts.  

This event carries the name of an ancient Armenian festival, from which the tradition of sprinkling water to one another is preserved to this day.  

In the recent years, however, this tradition has acquired a new characteristic in the capital city Yerevan where, instead of “sprinkling,” people very often “pour” water onto one another in an aggressive way.  

To note, the Monday following the feast of Transfiguration of Jesus is remembrance day of the dead, and therefore—and with the Government’s decision—coming Monday is declared a public holiday in Armenia.     

Photo by Sona Barseghyan