Celebrate Armenia! brings culture to Armenian Heritage Park
BOSTON – Celebrate Armenia!, a celebration in honor of Armenian Independence Day, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway in Boston.
The event, returning for its second consecutive year, brings together schools, cultural organizations, musicians and the greater community for a festive day filled with Armenian music, dance, food, storytelling and traditions. People of all ages and backgrounds are invited to experience the beauty and vitality of Armenian culture while sharing in a warm spirit of community.
The program begins at 1 p.m. with welcoming remarks by Vahan Dilanyan, director of programming and development for the Armenian Heritage Foundation, sponsor of Armenian Heritage Park, and Izabella Djevalikian, founding director of KAMURJNER Cultural Connections.
The schedule is as follows:
1:15 p.m. — Armenian Folktales: Meghri Dervartanian, children’s book author and illustrator, shares Armenian folktales with young audiences, introducing a new generation to beloved stories and traditions.
1:30 p.m. — Children in Song: Young singers from St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School, Erebuni Armenian School, and Holy Trinity Armenian Church’s Armenian School join voices in a combined children’s choir, performing a selection of Armenian patriotic and folk songs.
2 p.m. — Young Dancers: Performers from Armenia Dance Studio, led by founder and artistic director Anahit Torosyan, showcase the beauty, grace and vibrant energy of traditional Armenian dance.
2:30 p.m. — Let’s All Dance! Nareg Stepanian and Lori Kouyoumjian, co-founders and instructors of Daron Folk Ensemble, lead a lively, participatory dance session. Attendees are invited to join in and experience the joy of Armenian dance.
3:30 p.m. — Music, Tea and Sweets: Dr. Garo Saraydarian and a student ensemble representing MIT, Berklee College of Music, and Longy School of Music offer a program of traditional music, while guests enjoy tea and sweets.
4:30 p.m. — Sharing Stories: Reflections on the Immigrant Experience with Dr. Avak Khavajian, life sciences inventor and entrepreneur, partner at Flagship Pioneering, and chair of the board of directors of the International Institute of New England; and Sylvie Zakarian, solo percussionist. Faculty at the Longy School of Music of Bard College, and department chair of woodwinds, brass and percussion, Winchester Community Music School.
5 p.m. — Signature Dishes: Guests are invited to enjoy tastings of signature dishes generously offered by anoush’ella, celebrating the flavors and culinary traditions of Armenia. Nina and Raffi Festekjian are co-owners of anoush’ella. The Festekjians are the 2026 honorees of Celebrating Contributions of Our Nations Immigrants, gala to benefit Armenian Heritage Park, recognizing them as “Distinguished Leaders in Philanthropy, Business and the Arts.”
7 p.m. — Music Under the Stars: The celebration continues into the evening with performances by Berklee College of Music students and faculty, featuring vocalist Lia Sarkisyan and Friends.
A Thank You Reception follows Music Under the Stars for all to enjoy, meet and greet. For further information, email hello@ArmenianHeritagePark.org
