By Olivia Lutz
Last weekend, the attendees of the B’Arev Festival in Armenia’s Lake Sevan celebrated the country’s rich cultural traditions of music, dance, arts, and crafts in a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.
Founded by a group of both local and diasporan Armenians, the festival is an immersive experience in nature that supports the surrounding community in meaningful ways.
The festival itself is “handmade,” including the stage and temple, while all tableware is recyclable and made from non-plastic materials.
“The mission of B’Arev Festival is to create a conscious environment where people can adapt to new ways of being that are eco-friendly and concentrated on recycling. Our biggest mission is to connect with the land and to be conscious and mindful of the land you’re on and how we treat it,” Nane Yeghikyan, one of the organizers, told CivilNet.
B’Arev offers workshops to attendees on paper recycling, yoga, and meditation. Yeghikyan believes that fostering a connection with the land promotes sustainability because it instills a heightened sense of responsibility and dedication to preserving and nurturing the environment.
Hovo Manushyan, an attendee from Armenia, told CivilNet that he came to spend time with those who share his keen interest in meditation, tea, and yoga.
“One enlightening lesson I learned during the event was when a speaker presented a comparison between glass and plastic packaging. Surprisingly, the production of glass packaging can contribute to greater ecological issues than plastic due to higher transportation costs. This realization highlighted the significance of engaging in governmental policies as the primary means for effecting substantial change, rather than solely relying on minor adjustments in our personal behavior,” said Manushyan, who plans to come back next year.
Nikola Turière, an attendee from France, said he decided to join B’Arev based on the suggestion of a yoga teacher in Armenia. For Nikola, the festival’s emphasis on the connection between body movement, well-being, and nature was a particularly impactful experience.
“I was also pleased to observe the presence of local businesses like Taste of Artsakh, which offered cultural dishes from the region,” Turière told CivilNet.
B’Arev Festival prides itself on the inclusion of local talent, which reflects the festival’s commitment to celebrating the rich musical heritage of Armenia while providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents on a larger stage. The selection of 17 artists and musicians included Armenian DJs, such as Nebell and Teom. Armenian bands such as Rozen Tal and Shushik Band were included as well.
By immersing attendees in the beauty of nature and nurturing a respect for the environment, the festival organizers hope to cultivate a sense of responsibility towards the planet. They strongly believe that the positive experiences and connections formed during these adventures can have a profound and lasting impact on individuals, cities, countries, and global communities.
