The first ever Sheep Shearing Festival opened in Armenia on Saturday at Halidzor station of TaTever aerial tramway (photo). 

The event is organized by the Tatev Revival Foundation and the Homeland Development Initiative. The aim of the festival is to contribute to the development of public, economic, cultural and civil activities in the region.  Representatives of seven communities participated in the festival.

The participants could taste traditional dishes, listen and watch live performances, take a dancing lesson. 

“The idea of a festival belongs to the honorary consul of Norway and Finland and founder of the Homeland Development Initiative Timothy Straight. We welcome the initiative and do believe that Syunik Region with its developed sheep breeding is a place where such events must be held,” said Aren Apikyan, director of the festival.

The project of Tatev Revival was launched in 2008 and is expected to be completed by 2017 ahead of 1111th anniversary of the monastery.

Sheep shearing festivals are held in U.S., Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand,