Exploring the Armenian National Festival

From my understanding, this was a festival that was happening in various locations over the weekend, some in distant towns that I couldn't get to, and fortunately within the main capital city of Yerevan where I reside. Last year, I missed most of the interesting events within Armenia having moved to Georgia which felt void of life. Moving back to Armenia, it has been a pleasant surprise with just how much there is going on all at once, almost to the point of producing some fear of missing out! Even now, there's a film festival taking place that I have not managed to attend. Though this cultural festival was still lovely. A market in which many other markets tend to take place within: Seasons Park. A small stretch of land that's hardly a park, I must say. Right in the heart of Yerevan and usually where a large sum of water fountains are usually found. Where families get their water park satisfaction on these hot summer days.

Some of these markets aren't all that interesting, I will admit. Some of them feel as if there is something missing from them. Though this one, aimed purely at the culture of Armenia, felt quite exhausting! A whole lot of people and many little things all going on at once, even to the point of some minor child labour as children took part in some traditional Armenian rug cleaning. An act in which the rug is placed on the floor and a wooden mop is pushed over the rug, while watered down to remove the accumulated filth from it. I know, it sounds really nice. Though I'm sure it is actually quite satisfying watching the cleansing take place. This was unfortunately not something I participated in, and I think most adults didn't have much interest in also, quite aware that we are probably just to be cleaning someone else's rug under the assumption of cultural connection!

Jokes aside, the rest of the market was vibrant. A lot of unique little stalls in which locals were marketing and hoping to sell their various homemade products. Ranging from Armenian wine to homemade ceramics. Even jewellery. Some stalls were selling their own wool yarn, some had their own clothing lines with Armenian styled minimalist patterns. A little bit beyond the main stage was a series of stalls trying to cater to the hungry and thirsty: watermelon, juice drinks, and the typical corn stalls were around. Though I never really get anything from these. Mostly just from the fact that at the time I'm not really feeling it. Still, it's nice to see that there is more attention here, not the usual markets which just sell food and drink. Within the middle of the park was a stage which had a few presenters up there, though the real party began later when they organised large public groups to perform traditional Armenian dances.

Large crowds formed, people danced within a large circle. And the Armenian music was really thumping into the ground. It was a wonderful environment, and I always love seeing this side of Armenian culture whenever there is some sort of event like this. You really feel the traditions, the history and the strong culture which remains today. Primarily in how unique the dances can be. Very simplistic, light movements, though some see people moving in certain ways and clapping hands with those near them. It's a hard thing to describe, honestly. I think it's something you really need to see for yourself to witness the power of it all. Though it's such a difficult thing to capture in images, especially with such large crowds around as everyone either wants to join in or get real close to the action to see it.

Due to this I decided to give more focus on those watching rather than those directly participating. I was trying to capture the atmosphere and show the pride and variety in the people that attended. From young families with children that are being immersed into their cultures, foreigners like myself, and even the elderly which stumbled through the market just taking in the life. It's nice to shoot in these environments, where there's such a mix of backgrounds. I was running around with two filters that weren't really working with me though, the first being a polariser that I had on the lens which wasn't really ideal for such situations, pushing my shutter speed lower and my ISO higher. Then the mist filter which blew out some of the backgrounds and lighting. Though I still had a lot of fun here. 

Gear used was the Sony A6000, some shots on the Sony 35mm F1.8, with most being on the Helios 44-2 58mm F2.8.