By Gayane
Abrahamyan
ArmeniaNow arts reporter
A week after its launch, the impact of the “One Nation, One Culture” festival can be seen in the number of Diaspora visitors to Armenia – coming in what turns out to be the hottest week of the summer.
The first Pan-Armenian cultural festival started last Sunday with ceremonies in Freedom Square, where 1,500 artists from 15 countries were greeted with applause while they walked down a red carpet.
Groups divided by countries were accompanied by symbols of the festival, Narek and Nareh. More than 150 Nareks and Narehs are volunteers, who dressed in traditional Armenian clothes and symbolize the connection between Armenia (Narek) and Diaspora (Nareh).
Accompanied by President Robert Kocharyan and First Lady Bella, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vardan Oskanian said the festival: “united two strongest weapons of our arsenal of existence – culture and our unity and all of this takes place under the peaceful firmament of independent Armenia.”
The idea of the festival was born several years ago during Armenia-Diaspora forums in Armenia. Organizers have spent about $200,000 to make the festival possible, but no one knows what the final cost might be.
”I can imagine how it is difficult for such a small country like ours to organize such a festival but I’m happy that it is reality now, I’m so happy that I can hardly hold back my tears,” said Armenian from Lebanon Seda Khdshyan.
There are no awards or prizes for participation in events that include dance, theater, song, fine arts. The goal, according to ”Alfael” production center director Levon Abrahamyan, is not to choose the best but to involve as many groups as possible, ”which will get new positive charges in Armenia and will return to their places and continue to create there with new enthusiasm.”
There will be a gala concert and award ceremony, however, for best song ”Sayat-Nova” as well as ”Pomegranate Seed” fourth festival of children’s theatre, programs conducted within the framework of ”One Nation, One Culture”.
Some 65 theatrical companies participated at previously-held ”Pomegranate Seed” festivals. They presented more than 80 performances to the judgment of more than 24,000 spectators.
Each day of the festival has a theme. For instance, August 17 was ”Day of Armenian Song”, and August 19 was “Day of Theatre”.
The end of the festival (it runs through August 24) will feature a music and dance review at the Water World park.
”Today this festival is the most important occasion for us,” says People’s Artist of RA Khoren Abrahamyan. “It was regarded as courageous even to dream about this festival. Today nobody has a right to sit at home. It is hot but everybody is simply obliged to contribute at least as a spectator for bringing into life this powerful cultural phenomenon.”
All events, except for opening and closing ceremonies are free. A schedule of events can be found at www.mcya.am
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