On Saturday May 3rd 2014, from 12 noon till 5pm, a unique atmosphere took over the Bourj Hammoud square where many people came to visit the various kiosks of Armenian Traditional food and danced to the tunes of the Armenian music and songs that created a joyous mood in the street.
The various kiosks sold traditional Armenian food, delicious meals and desserts prepared by the ARCL “H. Papazian”, “Nayiri”, “Kayane”, “Asdghig”, “A. Azirian”, “Ani”, “Ashkhen”, “Garnineh”, “Shoushanig”, “Arakadz” and “Aghtamar” Chapters as well as the ARCL “V. Degirmendjian” Kitchen.
The artistic program of the event included the dances of the Levon and Sophia Hagopian College Dance group as well as the performance of singer Shake Baghdassarian.
In the afternoon at 2:30 pm, a special program was prepared for the children who were surprised by the appearance of the “ourakh Daretarts” (Birthdays with smiles) animation group. The children present at the event sang and danced with the group members experiencing happy and satisfactory moments.
The traditional Armenian Heritage Day, which created enthusiasm in the region that day, was organized by the ARCL Regional Executive Board (REB) with the collaboration of ARCL Chapters and the presidency of Tsoline Kachadourian and the patronage of the Mayors of Bourj Hammoud and Anjar.
The event was inaugurated by the Mayor of Bourj Hammoud Mr. Antranig Meserlian, the Mayor of Anjar Mr. Garo Pamboukian and the ARCL REB staff.
In her welcoming speech, ARCL REB Chair Maral Hovhannesian thanked all those who contributed to the success of this day which has become tradition. She noted that this event has become a part of the ARCL mission in preserving the Armenian folk traditions and customs. She also stated that ARCL members cling to everything that is Armenian, and that they are zealous to convey them to future generations.
This initiative becomes an addition to the wide and various activities of the ARCL which brings many benefits to Bourj Hammoud including creating an Armenian atmosphere and introducing of our traditional foods to foreigners.
