Constitution Day in Armenia

Constitution Day is a public holiday that’s observed annually on July 5th in Armenia. This day commemorates the country’s adoption of the Armenian Constitution after the Soviet era in 1995. Although this country gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, it was still using the old constitution that was crafted in 1978 under the Soviets.

A new constitution was drafted and was first presented in 1992. However, because of the problems facing the country and the political struggles that the government faced, it wouldn’t be put to a national referendum for approximately four years. Today, this holiday is observed with a display of the country’s national symbols.

The History of Constitution Day in Armenia

In 1991, Armenia gained its independence from the Soviet Union and needed to draft a new constitution as the one they had at the time was the 1978 constitution created by the Soviets. A new constitution was drafted in 1992, but political problems prevented it from being put to a national referendum until July 5, 1995.

The new Armenian Constitution made the country a sovereign, democratic, and constitutional state. Yerevan was established as the state’s capital. In 2005 and 2015, the Armenian Constitution was amended following national referendums.

After the Armenian Velvet Revolution of 2018, Nikol Pashinyan came to power. After this event, there was a plan to hold another national referendum in April 2020 to make additional changes to the Armenian Constitution. However, that event had to be put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since it was indefinitely postponed on March 16, 2020, the Armenian Parliament voted for the constitutional amendment directly.

Observing Constitution Day in Armenia

Since this holiday coincides with the Day of State Symbols in Armenia, people can expect to see plenty of patriotic events on this day. This includes raising the Armenian flag, singing the Armenian national anthem, and showcasing the emblem of the country. There are also political speeches and other events on this holiday.

Where is it celebrated?
Armenia (National holiday)
When is it?
This year (2024)
July 5 Friday
Next year (2025)
July 5 Saturday
Last year (2023)
July 5 Wednesday