Day of the First Republic in Armenia

About Day of the First Republic in Armenia

The day recognizes the short-lived First Republic of Armenia, the first modern Armenian state in the 20th century. In contemporary Armenia it functions as a civic holiday focused on statehood, memory and national continuity rather than on religious observance. Because it falls in late May, it is often discussed together with other spring civic commemorations, but its meaning is distinct: it specifically honors the restoration of Armenian statehood after the collapse of the Russian Empire and wartime upheaval.

History

The First Republic of Armenia was proclaimed on 28 May 1918, following the battles of Sardarabad, Bash Abaran and Gharakilisa, which helped halt further Ottoman advance and made Armenian statehood possible. The republic existed until 1920, when it was replaced by Soviet rule. The date remains a remembrance of the first modern Armenian republic and the political foundations it represented.

Traditions

Public commemorations often include wreath-laying at memorials and official tributes to the founders and defenders of the First Republic. The day is also associated with flag displays and speeches that emphasize statehood, independence and national memory.

How Day of the First Republic is celebrated in Armenia

In Armenia, the holiday is typically marked by state ceremonies, official messages and memorial visits. Public attention is usually centered on Armenian state institutions, historical remembrance and patriotic events rather than private or family customs.

Interesting facts

The holiday is observed nationwide in Armenia. It is fixed to 28 May in the Gregorian calendar.

Dates in published calendars

Import sources

• Generic ICS feed

An import is not an independent verification.

More public holidays in Armenia

• New Year's Day
• Christmas Day
• Remembrance Day
• National Army Day
• Women's Day
• Genocide Memorial Day