In Armenia, the party isn't over on January 2nd: Discover the magic of the extended holiday season.
If you are looking for a winter travel window that avoids the crazy crowds of late December but still captures the magic of the holiday season, the Old New Year Armenia traditions offer the perfect solution. Celebrated on January 13th, this "shoulder peak" period is a hidden gem for travelers from the Gulf who want to experience a true winter wonderland without the chaotic rush.
What is the "Old New Year"?
The concept might sound strange at first. How can a New Year be "Old"? The answer lies in the history of timekeeping.
Centuries ago, the Christian world shifted from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. While civil society moved the date of New Year's Day to January 1st, the cultural and ecclesiastical memory of the region held onto the old Julian date. The discrepancy between the two calendars is currently 13 days. Therefore, January 14th in our modern calendar corresponds to January 1st in the ancient Julian calendar.
In Armenia, we celebrate this transition on the evening of January 13th. We call it Hin Nor Tari (Old New Year).
For you as a visitor, this means the festive atmosphere in Yerevan remains in full swing well into mid-January. The giant Christmas tree in Republic Square is still lit. The holiday markets are still buzzing. The city is still dressed in its finest lights. It is a "Golden Fortnight" of celebration where you get all the beauty of the season with a more authentic, local vibe.
The Akunq Ensemble: The Sound of Ancient Armenia
To truly understand the spirit of the Old New Year Armenia celebration, you must hear it. This year, we are curating a specific itinerary highlight for our guests: the concert by the Akunq Ethnographic State Ensemble.
Scheduled for January 13, 2026, at 19:00, this event at the Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall is not just a performance; it is a journey into the soul of the Caucasus.
A Musical Bridge to Arab Culture
The Akunq Ensemble was founded to preserve the songs of Komitas Vardapet, the priest and musicologist who saved thousands of Armenian folk melodies from extinction. For our Arab guests, the music will feel surprisingly familiar. The ensemble features instruments that share a deep lineage with Middle Eastern musical traditions:
- The Qanun: A centerpiece of the ensemble, this large zither is also a staple of Arab classical music. Watching an Armenian virtuoso pluck the strings creates an immediate cultural bridge—the sound is familiar, yet the melody is distinctively Armenian.
- The Kamancha: A spiked fiddle often used in Persian music, its haunting resonance speaks a language of emotion that transcends borders.
- The Duduk: The apricot-wood oboe that defines the Armenian sound. Its mournful, warm tone is unlike anything else on earth.
Attending this concert on the night of the Old New Year is a sophisticated way to engage with the local culture, far beyond the standard tourist sightseeing stops.
A Taste of Tradition: Pasuts Tolma
No celebration in Armenia is complete without a feast, and the Old New Year Armenia tradition has its own mandatory dish: Pasuts Tolma (Lenten Dolma).
Historically, this dish was prepared for fasting periods (Lent) when animal products were forbidden. The name Pasuts comes from Pas, meaning fasting. Unlike the summer dolma made with grape leaves and meat, Pasuts Tolma uses pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with a robust, warming mixture of:
- Red kidney beans
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Bulgur and Rice
- Dried herbs (specifically Summer Savory or Kondar)
The pickled cabbage gives it a tangy kick, while the grains provide a hearty texture that is perfect for a cold winter night. It contains absolutely no meat and no animal fats, making it completely safe for all dietary restrictions while offering a deep dive into historic Armenian cuisine.
Why Travel in Mid-January?
Choosing to visit during the Old New Year Armenia window offers several practical benefits:
Benefits of the "Golden Fortnight":
- Better Flight Prices: By mid-January, the global spike in airfare usually settles down.
- Snow Reliability: By January 13th, the ski resorts at MyLer and Tsaghkadzor are fully operational with deep snow bases.
- Extended Festivity: You get the "New Year" vibe without the "New Year" crowds.
Experience the Magic with Nour Armenia Tours
Don't let the winter slip away without experiencing the charm of the Hin Nor Tari. At Nour Armenia Tours, we can secure your tickets to the Akunq Ensemble concert, reserve a table at a traditional restaurant serving the best Pasuts Tolma, and ensure your entire trip is seamless.
We specialize in hosting guests from the Gulf, ensuring that your cultural exploration is comfortable, respectful, and unforgettable.
Book your Old New Year journey now.
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