Within the framework of the CIS Cultural Capitals interstate program, Meghri has been declared the cultural capital for 2026, with official launch events held in Meghri and Agarak communities.
Among numerous initiatives planned for the year, the 5th International Crafts Festival titled “Creative Community, Sustainable Future” will take place in Meghri on May 16–17. The festival previously started in Gyumri and has since been hosted in Dilijan, Areni, and Gavar.
The event is organized by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports with financial support, in cooperation with the Hovhannes Sharambeyan Folk Arts Museum, as well as with the support of the Meghri Municipality, the Cultural Development Foundation, and the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS member states.
During the two-day program, Meghri will transform into a festive hub of crafts, traditional music and dance, and national cuisine. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Armenian culinary traditions and discover regional specialties.
The festival will showcase both Armenian and international crafts, including carpet weaving, embroidery, lace-making, doll-making, woodworking, pottery, blacksmithing, jewelry-making, straw crafts, and more. The program will also feature traditional music and dance, мастер-классы, and exhibition-sales. A special focus will be placed on traditional cuisine.
The main goal of the initiative is to foster a creative community by activating Meghri’s cultural identity and potential, bringing together participants from different regions of Armenia and CIS countries on a single platform.
The festival environment is expected to promote intercultural dialogue, as well as the preservation and revaluation of intangible cultural heritage, strengthening community resilience and ensuring sustainable development.
Around 20 craftsmen from Armenia and 24 participants from CIS countries, as well as Georgia and Iran, are expected to take part.
The program includes activities for both adults and children, with educational and entertainment offerings such as shadow theater, puppet performances, and storytelling sessions. The festival will conclude with evening concerts featuring “Katil” band, “Manel” choir, and the “Varē Varenk” cultural-educational organization. A tightrope walking performance will also be a highlight.
The program has been implemented annually in different regions of Armenia, promoting active community engagement and the development of cultural tourism. It is also noted that this year’s opening coincides with the pan-European Night of Museums initiative.
