First Republic Day in Armenia

First Republic Day in Armenia is observed every year on May 28. In 2026, this date falls on a Thursday. The national holiday commemorates the founding of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918, a defining moment in the restoration of Armenian statehood. It is a day of historical remembrance, civic pride, and reflection on sovereignty, survival, and national identity. Public observances often connect the date with the May victories at Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan, and Gharakilisa, which helped make Armenian independence possible. ^{1 2}

History of First Republic Day in Armenia

The First Republic of Armenia was proclaimed on May 28, 1918, after a period of war, upheaval, and imperial collapse in the region. The Armenian National Council became central to the formation of the new republic, and the state began building its political institutions under extremely difficult conditions. The republic existed for only about two and a half years, but during that period it formed a government, developed parliamentary life, and adopted the Armenian tricolor as a national symbol. Its creation followed the May battles, especially Sardarapat, where Armenian forces and volunteers resisted Ottoman advances.

The First Republic ended in 1920, when Armenia came under Soviet rule, but its memory remained tied to the idea of restored statehood. After Armenia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, May 28 regained public importance as a national holiday. Today, the day is connected not only with the events of 1918 but also with the continuity of Armenian political identity. It stands beside Armenia’s modern Independence Day as a reminder that statehood was restored through sacrifice, organization, and collective effort.

Why is First Republic Day in Armenia important?

First Republic Day in Armenia matters because it marks the reemergence of an Armenian state after centuries without independent statehood. The holiday focuses attention on a moment when Armenians faced military danger, displacement, and political uncertainty while still building the foundations of a republic. It honors the people who fought in the May battles and the leaders who helped shape the first modern Armenian state. The date also gives Armenians a way to connect present-day independence with earlier struggles for sovereignty.

The day has broader meaning for civic life because it links history with responsibility. Remembering the First Republic is not only about military victory or national symbols; it also points to the work of forming institutions, defending rights, and preserving language, culture, and identity. For Armenians in Armenia and in the diaspora, May 28 carries a shared historical meaning across generations. It encourages a careful look at how fragile statehood can be and how much effort is required to sustain it.

• It honors the founding of the First Republic in 1918.
• It remembers the May battles that shaped Armenian independence.
• It connects modern Armenia with earlier state-building efforts.
• It recognizes the importance of sovereignty and public institutions.
• It gives Armenian communities a shared date of national reflection.

How to Observe First Republic Day in Armenia

Attend a public ceremony, visit a memorial, or learn about the battles of Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan, and Gharakilisa. In Armenia, observances are often centered on national symbols, official ceremonies, cultural events, and visits to places connected with the events of 1918. A visit to the Sardarapat Memorial is especially meaningful because the site is closely associated with the defense that helped open the way for independence. Families and schools can also use the day to discuss the short but important life of the First Republic.

Armenian communities outside Armenia may mark the day through lectures, church or community gatherings, cultural programs, and educational events. Reading about the First Republic’s leaders, institutions, and challenges can make the holiday more than a date on the calendar. The day can also be observed by listening to Armenian music, learning about the tricolor flag, or sharing family stories connected with migration, survival, and national memory. A respectful observance should keep the focus on history, statehood, and the people whose efforts shaped Armenia’s modern path.

• Read a clear history of the First Republic of Armenia.
• Visit a memorial or cultural site connected with 1918.
• Watch a documentary or lecture about the May battles.
• Discuss Armenian statehood with students or family members.
• Take part in a local Armenian community program.

First Republic Day in Armenia Dates

1. https://www.mfa.am/en/interviews-articles-and-comments/2020/05/28/fr_102/10283[↩]
2. https://www.president.am/en/statements-and-messages/item/2025/05/28/President-Vahagn-Khachaturyans-message/[↩]