Rescuer's Day
On September 4 Armenia honours its rescuers, the people who respond to fires, earthquakes and mountain emergencies. The day was established in memory of the Spitak tragedy and of those who arrive first.
History & traditions
This holiday grew out of pain: on 7 December 1988 the catastrophic Spitak earthquake destroyed entire cities in northern Armenia within minutes. Volunteers and rescuers from all over the world saved the lives of thousands. In 2008 the Government of Armenia declared September 4 Rescuer's Day, to mark the importance of the profession and to honour those who died in the line of duty.
A one-day trip north: Alaverdi in the Debed canyon, Sanahin and Haghpat — both on the UNESCO list. Lunch by the river.
Today Rescuer's Day is both a tribute and a display of skill. Various cities host demonstration drills, equipment exhibitions and meetings with service veterans. Armenian rescuers work in difficult terrain, mountains, gorges, seismic zones, and on this day people speak of them with special gratitude.
What to see
Sevanavank on the peninsula, a lakeside lunch with ishkhan trout, then forested Dilijan, Goshavank and the old part of town.
- Demonstration drills and rescue equipment displays on city squares.
- Exhibitions of fire engines and gear, where children are happily welcomed.
- Award ceremonies and moments of silence for fallen rescuers.
- Open workshops on first aid and how to act in emergencies.
Walk up to the rescuers on the square: they will gladly show their gear and tell you about mountain operations; in Armenia this service is sincerely respected and seen as a matter of honour.
The pagan temple of Garni, the Garni gorge with its basalt «Symphony of Stones», and Geghard — a 4th-century monastery carved into the rock. Lunch with lavash baking in a tonir.
What to bring
This day has few souvenirs, which makes the impression more valuable: a photo of rescue equipment on the square or a keyring with the service emblem. The best keepsake is the understanding of how fragile and how resilient this land is, having risen again and again after earthquakes.
The holiday is celebrated all across Armenia — best to pick one city or village and spend the day there, immersed in the local atmosphere.
On a tour you also often need other services
We have other partner categories too — requests work the same. We forward them to several partners with availability at once.
Where to stay in mountains and cities
Family guesthouses, boutique hotels, glamping, cave suites. Across Armenia.
From airport or between regions
Fixed price, no meter. Econom, comfort, minivan or premium.
A car for a self-drive trip
SUV for Syunik mountains, sedan for highways, minivan for groups. Full tank, insurance.