“Sheep Shearing Festival” took place in the area of Syunik Animal Market of Khot rural settlement of Tatev Community of Syunik marz on June 8. The Festival was organized by “Strategic Development Agency” NGO with financial support from Swiss Agency for Cooperation and Development (SDC).The main purpose of the event is to promote local products, traditions and culture of Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions of Armenia, as well as to develop rural tourism. Overall, around 2500 people from Syunik, Vayots Dzor and other marzes, Yerevan, as well as travelers from abroad attended the event.

As compared to the previous years, the geography of the event expanded this year both in terms of participating communities, as well as producers. In addition to Syunik and Vayots Dzor, Tavush, Shirak, Lori and Gegharkunik marzes were also represented. This year, 16 shearers from Syunik,mVayots Dzor, Shirak, Gegharkunik and Tavush marzes competed in the sheep shearing contest. This year Edgar Zakaryan from Shaki took the first place in the competition.

The Festival was also attended by a number of state officials,  including  governor of Syunik province Hunan Poghosyan,  Head of  Tatev community Murad Simonyan, The State Service for Food Safety of MoA of RA  Deputy head   Edgar Tshagharyan. As well as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Armenia H.E. Mr. Stefano Lazzarotto. stated in his opening speech that “Stefano Lazzarotto highlighted  the importance of holding such events, noting that they contribute to the development of the region.”

The Festival included a sheep shearing contest, a master class done  by the invited experienced shearer from New Zealand, live national music and dances, a rope walker, an exhibition-fair, where producers from communities of Syunik, Vayots Dzor and Shirak marzes presented their products. The guests of the Festival had access to Food Court and tasting of traditional Armenian dishes.