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Navasard – Day of National Identity is marked in Armenia on August 11. The day was designated as a public holiday by the Armenian parliament in 2009.

In pagan Armenia the New Year was celebrated on August 11. The feast was called Navasard.

Ancient sources bear out that Navasard – New Year was adorned with solemn and splendid festivities, which lasted several days. There were carnivals, cavalcades, various games with participation of the king, noblemen and plain folk. Various open-air celebrations were often held at night around the fire at holy shrines, according to Gargule.net.

Many legends have been told about this most beloved feast; it is said that on this very day the Armenians’ forefather Hayk had a stunning victory over his enemy Bel and gave start to the history of Armenians. It was also believed that this day Noah’s Arc landed on the peak of Mount Ararat, and so the yearly celebrations of Navasard-New Year were to reconfirm the beginning of the new era of humanity.