A formal ceremony marking the handover of the title of Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) took place on November 1 in Meghri, in Armenia’s Syunik Province.

“We began holding events in April, starting in the town of Agarak. Overall, the programme covered the entire region, not just Meghri. During this time, we organised around 30 events. These ranged in scale from major events to smaller gatherings. Among the most significant, I would highlight one of the days of the Yerevan Book Festival, which was held in Meghri. This event had been eagerly anticipated by visitors to the town. There were also dance festivals and a number of film-related events,” Tigran Virabyan, Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, told journalists.

The deputy minister stressed the importance of the programme in addressing the need for more balanced regional development, including in the cultural sphere.

The programme concluded with performances featuring songs and dances by groups from Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

“Various artistic groups came to Meghri and Agarak, and many of our compatriots had the opportunity to discover these towns for themselves. I believe we need to continue looking for opportunities to hold similar events so that residents of all regions can enjoy performances by the best groups and discover exciting festivals without having to travel beyond their own towns and communities. This is one way to bring cultural life to people living in remote regions.

I believe we should draw lessons from this experience and continue looking for reasons and opportunities to visit such communities more often. The natural surroundings here are magnificent. I spoke with colleagues who had come from different countries and cities. They were absolutely delighted by the landscape, the local people, their hospitality and, of course, the cultural programme presented in these towns. They were particularly impressed by the people, who showed great interest in events spanning a wide range of genres.

I believe this region has truly earned the honour of being named a cultural capital. The state will do everything possible to find new reasons and opportunities to organise such events, allowing residents of remote regions to participate in the country’s cultural life as often as possible,” Virabyan said.

Syunik Deputy Governor Hayk Harutyunyan noted that this was not the first successful programme of its kind in the province, pointing out that Kapan had previously held the title of CIS Youth Capital.

“The programme in Meghri was full of discoveries. It is particularly important that not only government bodies and community organisations took an active part, but local residents themselves did as well. Everyone who visited Meghri promised to return, and we, in turn, promise to welcome guests with the utmost warmth,” Harutyunyan said.

During the formal ceremony following the concert, the symbolic award known as the “Cultural Whirlwind,” created by Marine Manukyan, was presented to Alesya Lukovskaya, Deputy Chair of the Executive Committee of the city of Maladzyechna, Belarus.

Meghri is the third Armenian city to have received the honorary title of CIS Cultural Capital. The title was previously held by Goris and Gyumri in different years.