Armenia Independence Day
September 21
About Armenia Independence Day
Armenia Independence Day falls on Monday 21 September 2026, marking 35 years since the country voted to restore its sovereignty. In the referendum held on that date in 1991, a turnout of 95% produced a 99.3% vote in favour of independence, ending nearly seven decades of Soviet rule and re-establishing the Republic of Armenia as an independent state.
When is Armenia Independence Day?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 21 September | Sunday |
| 2026 | 21 September | Monday |
| 2027 | 21 September | Tuesday |
| 2028 | 21 September | Thursday |
The date is fixed at 21 September every year. It is a national public holiday in Armenia (Office Holidays), with government offices, banks, schools and most businesses closed for the day. The holiday is known in Armenian as Ankalyutyan Or (Անկախության Օր).
What happened on 21 September 1991
Armenia had already declared sovereignty from the Soviet Union in August 1990, but independence itself was put to a popular vote on 21 September 1991. Armenians were asked whether they wished to restore the independent statehood of the Republic of Armenia on the basis of that declaration. Turnout reached 95.5% and 99.3% of votes were cast in favour. The formal declaration of independence followed two days later, on 23 September 1991. Within weeks, Armenia received international recognition, and by December 1991 the country had joined the United Nations.
Independence Day is distinct from Republic Day (28 May), which marks the First Republic of Armenia proclaimed in 1918 and lost during Soviet annexation in 1920. Both are national holidays.
35th anniversary celebrations in 2026
The 35th anniversary is being marked with the largest state programme Armenia has organised for Independence Day in recent years. The Armenian government has allocated 1.3 billion drams (approximately $3.57 million) for nationwide events coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport.
The centrepiece takes place at Republic Square in Yerevan, where around 40,000 spectators are expected. The programme comprises two parts: a historical and cultural performance inspired by the Armenian legend Hazaran Blbul, followed by a concert featuring Iveta Mukuchyan, Tata Simonyan and Arman Hovhannisyan with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the national choir. Regional events run from 18 to 21 September, including a Symphonic Rock concert in Vanadzor and a National Philharmonic Orchestra performance in Gyumri (Armenpress).
How the day is observed
Official ceremonies open with a presidential awards event at which the President of Armenia presents state medals to military veterans, scientists, cultural figures and citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the country. Wreath-laying takes place at the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial complex. Government buildings and public spaces are decorated in the national tricolour of red, blue and orange.
In the evening, Republic Square fills with music and traditional Armenian dance, and fireworks close the celebrations. Regional cities, including Gyumri and Vanadzor, hold their own concerts and community gatherings throughout the day.
In the United Kingdom
Around 18,000 Armenians live in the United Kingdom, with the largest community in London. The Armenian Community Council of the United Kingdom organises concerts and cultural events at St. Yeghiche Armenian Church in South Kensington to mark the anniversary each year. The Armenian Embassy in London also holds a reception for the occasion.
More broadly, the global Armenian diaspora numbers around eight million people across more than 80 countries, and communities in France, the United States, Russia and Australia all mark 21 September with their own cultural programmes.
Related dates in September
- Malta Independence Day (21 September)
- International Day of Peace (21 September)
- Zero Emissions Day (21 September)
- Browse all September awareness days
Last reviewed: 7 September 2026.
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