From August 12 to 13, the 6^th Honey and Berry Festival, which has already turned into a tradition, was held at the Soran National Park in the city of Berd of the Tavush region. The festival featured a variety of honeys and honey products, berries and other natural goods that were treated and on sale. Well-known singers and dancers and ensembles made the festival entertaining and interesting.

“The first festival was held in 2012, and fortunately, we are holding it for the sixth time. The goal of the festival is to enhance the operation of the economic, social and cultural infrastructures in the Tavush region. The participants of last year’s festival have already established their businesses. The number of participants grows every year, and the festival also engages young people. There are several components of this festival, including honey production, reprocessing of berries, cuisine, as well as arts and crafts. Let’s wait for the next festival!” President of Foundation for the Spiritual Rebirth of Tavush Haik Chobanyan said.

President of the Development and Preservation of Armenian Culinary Traditions NGO Sedrak Mamulyan noted that the NGO unconditionally supports the festival and helps the organizers every year. “Every year, we see how the locals turn this festival into their own and wait impatiently for it to be launched. I think the government needs to focus on this festival. I would like to see more state officials present at this festival. Berd is not an average city in Armenia. It is a borderline city,” Sedrak Mamulyan added.

The guests of the festival also had the opportunity to visit the local Museum of History and Urban Life of Berd and were introduced to the history of Armenia.

“Established in 1981, the Museum of History and Urban Life of Berd is located next to Soran Park, which is not far from the city of Berd. The Museum showcases items dating back to different eras, domestic objects created over the past 100-50 years and works made by contemporary creators of Berd. In the premises of the Museum we have found ancient objects. I think there is a need for excavations,” Director of the Museum Artur Yerkanyan, who has personally undertaken renovation and improvement of the Museum, noted.

Manvel Kirakosyan