Blessing of the Grapes

The Blessing of the Grapes (Haghoghy Orhnutyun) is one of the oldest continuous church ceremonies in Armenia, rooted in the pre-Christian grape harvest traditions that the Armenian Apostolic Church absorbed and sanctified after 301 AD. On or near the Feast of the Assumption of the Theotokos each August, priests bless the first bunches of the new harvest and distribute them freely to worshippers — a ritual that has continued for over 1,700 years in some form.

In Yerevan, the main public celebration takes place at Yeraz Park, where church clergy conduct the blessing ceremony before large crowds. Grapes from the surrounding Ararat Valley are brought in and blessed with holy water, then handed out to anyone present, regardless of faith. The atmosphere is relaxed and communal rather than formal — families gather with children, older residents come in traditional dress, and the distribution of grapes typically takes a couple of hours until the supply runs out. Smaller blessings also happen simultaneously at churches across the city, including at the Surb Sargis Cathedral.

What to expect on the day

The ceremony usually begins in the late morning, with the blessing itself taking around 30-45 minutes. After that, the distribution begins and the park fills with a gentle, celebratory mood. Vendors often set up nearby selling churchkhela (walnut strings dipped in grape must), dried fruits, and other harvest products. It is not a ticketed event and there is no formal program — you simply arrive, witness the ceremony, and receive grapes when the procession passes.

August in Yerevan is hot, often reaching 35-38°C, so bring water and wear light, breathable clothing. If you want a clear view of the blessing itself, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the announced start time. The park can get crowded near the ceremony point but the surrounding area remains spacious.

Getting there

Yeraz Park is easily reached from the city centre on foot or by a short taxi ride. Public transport connections are good from Republic Square. Combine the event with a broader day in Yerevan — the Vernissage open-air market and Cascade area are both within walking distance. If you are travelling from outside the capital, lake Sevan and the Ararat Valley monasteries make good same-day additions given that mid-August conditions are clear and dry. See our Armenia in August guide for full context on what to expect during this month.