Raspberry Festival 2018 held in Ashotavan, Syunik Marz

On 28 of July, the third Raspberry festival was held in the beautiful nature of Sisian region, under the motto “People of Syunik are treating”. Many producer groups and individuals gathered to present delicious and refreshing raspberries and traditional dishes. The event was organised by World Vision Armenia. 

Arthur Sargsyan, head of Sisian community, greeted participants and guests of the festival,-“This is not an ordinary festival; it has already become a traditional one which is very anticipated by people’’.

According to World Vision Armenia's Syunik Marz development manager Lena Karapetyan, the festival aims to support the sustainable local value chain development of raspberry in the region, as well as to support the local producers.

The visitors had the opportunity to taste raspberries, as well as lots of raspberry cookies, cakes marmalade, homemade juice and wine from raspberry. The treating was accompanied by national song and dance. Some of the producers' groups presented also traditional crafts and handmade jewellery, as well as a variety of healthy herbs. During the festival, various competitions were held both for producers group and for the participants. 

This year festival hosted many visitors from abroad. They had a chance to buy raspberries and other agricultural products directly from the farmers, contributing to the economic empowerment of rural communities.