Experiencing Yerevan's Wine Festival

It is unfortunate that I was suffering in the horrors of Tbilisi this time last year instead of being here in Armenia. And it was this time last year that there was Yerevan's wine festival which takes place over three days leading over the weekend. An event that results in two major roads being closed off entirely and replaced with various events for people to enjoy. It's both paid and free, given people can pay for at ticket that grants them a logo-themed wine glass for the event to try out different types of wine, or free to roam through and pay for other events like the food for example. In addition, it's an event that has several music performances involving various types of genres. Ranging from the insufferable headache-inducing thumps of DJs to the more cultural stage oriented events that take place with large bands. Oh! And there was even some Armenian cultural dancing which took place in the middle, with some Armenian music.

This was one of the most difficult events to photograph in the end, due to the sheer density of people passing through. Where standing still would have you surrounded in a crowd and having to wait for human traffic to figure itself out as various fumes from Armenian BBQs would devour the surrounding air. And under that Armenian sun, even with a strong breeze that would appear towards the evening, it was a difficulty finding a moment to just relax and take in the atmosphere. After all, that atmosphere was for the most part one of intense chaos. Noise at every corner, crowds both still and moving. A festival at its core. I think everyone shared that general sentiment that it's something you walk through quickly, you don't spend a whole lot of time at even if you do purchase the ticket and get the wine glass. You grab a drink or two and then quickly move on through the crowds, far from the DJs and bands, into the quieter streets where conversation can be held.

Even professional photographers seemed to be struggling. Many of which clinging to their cameras and holding them up above the crowds rather than facing into them and the stands to photograph. The drones overheard seemed clueless and floated around without much order, looking as if they're about to crash into the nearest tree or tent. As if even their pilots felt disoriented and couldn't figure out their general surroundings. In a way I enjoyed the chaos despite the description of it all I have given here. It's nice to see a city close off streets from the cars and find ways to give the people a thriving sense of community to linger within. Showcasing the ways in which spaces can be utilised and how an appreciation for culture can be displayed, even from the many tourists which appeared. Many different accents to be heard as you navigate throughout the streets. And even in the stalls you see the many types of wine companies offering up their varieties. Many different food companies, musicians, and general creative businesses which even offered their types of creative crafts: cups, rings, earrings, and the rest.

I was using my Helios 44-2 here, to which another photographer noticed and took appreciation to as they also pulled out their own Helios 44-2. It wasn't a bad option to have here, but even with a 58mm focal length it was a bit difficult to find the right perspective to capture everything within. But I feel even with a wider angle focal length I would've suffered the same fate. A great difficulty to think creatively as a photographer! I snapped a few quick shots of various things around me, trying to take notes of the moments that would stick out: people standing around drinking and smoking cigars. The musicians and the emotion within their faces as they perform to such a huge crowd. The many types of faces within those crowds and how they enjoyed the atmosphere. Even the people that worked at the event and would tirelessly cook by the incredibly worm BBQs that threw out smoke and heat into the main crowd. I tried to capture a bit of everything, not focusing on one specific thing.