Republic Day: May 28
Republic Day is a public holiday in Armenia.
On this date in 1918, the Armenian National Council declared the independence of Armenia, proclaiming itself the new republic’s temporary government. The holiday is also known as First Republic Day.
History of Republic Day in Armenia
After the end of the Ottoman Empire’s hold on Armenia, Armenians found themselves under the rule of the Russian Empire that fought with Armenians against the Ottomans. In March 1917, after the Russian Revolution that took Tsar Nicholas and the House of Romanov from power, a provisional government was established. This government established the Special Transcaucasian Committee with the intent of healing the wounds of the previous regime.
Major concessions were made to Armenians who looked forward to future cooperation with Russia. However, in October, the Bolsheviks took power in Russia, and Armenia refused to recognize the communist Bolshevik government. A civil war broke out in Russia, and Armenians, still expecting the Bolsheviks to be removed from power, remained united to the Russians.
In February 1918, the groups formed the Transcaucasian Federation with Georgians and Muslims.
As peace meetings were held with the Ottomans, Georgians and Armenians were not happy with the evolution of the agreements and settlements that were being proposed. On May 26, Georgia declared its independence and signed a treaty of protection with Germany. On May 27, the Muslim National Council announced the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. The Armenian National Council found itself lost and abandoned by its regional allies, and, led by Russian Armenian intellectuals, decided to declare its independence on May 28, following the dissolution of political unity of Transcaucasian countries.
Armenia’s Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
Even though the Democratic Republic of Armenia was short lived, Armenians take pride in this first breath of life of an independent Armenian state. Republic Day was not celebrated during Soviet times, and only after the collapse of the Soviet Union did it gain more importance in Armenia’s annual celebrations.
The president and government officials raise the Armenian flag at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan, capital of Armenia. Outside the palace, the day is an opportunity for opposition leaders to protest against the government. The country’s streets are decorated with the national colors of red, blue, and orange. Across most of Armenia, it is primarily a day to be spent with family and friends, and politics is kept to a minimum during friendly conversation over khash, a typical Armenian dish made with the hooves, the shin bone, and the stomach of a cow.
Other interesting posts:
- Armenian Genocide Memorial Day Commemorated in Armenia
- Victory and Peace Day Commemorated in Armenia
- Armenia Commemorates Constitution Day
- Armenia Remembers the Fallen on 1988 Earthquake Memorial Day
- Azerbaijan Celebrates Republic Day
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