Army Day in Armenia

A fixed date and a non-working day

Armenia’s Law on Holidays and Memorial Days sets Army Day on January 28 and classifies it as a non-working day. The law also designates January 27 as a separate day of remembrance for people who died defending the homeland.[1]

The Labour Code says work on non-working holidays is generally prohibited, with exceptions for work that cannot be stopped for technical reasons, services needed by the public, and urgent repairs or loading and unloading. It does not establish an automatic substitute day for Army Day; the Yerevan Municipality notes that the government can change working days by decree.[2][5]

Remembering the army’s formation

Army Day is connected with the formation of Armenia’s armed forces. At a ceremony marking the army’s 33rd anniversary, the prime minister described the occasion as an anniversary of the army’s formation and thanked servicemen and their families for their service and support.[3]

Government messages have linked the army’s development to Armenia’s statehood and to the difficult circumstances of its formation. These are official perspectives on the holiday; people’s experiences and views of military service can differ.[4]

Official ceremonies and remembrance

Army Day observances can include formal events involving military units and senior officers. For the army’s anniversary, a procession and a solemn session took place at the Ministry of Defense, where officials gave speeches and recognized servicemen.[3]

Commemorations have also taken place outside the capital. In Goris, government and military officials attended Army Day events and laid flowers at a memorial to people killed in the Artsakh war.[4] These examples document particular observances, not a required nationwide programme or a custom followed by every household.

Planning around the holiday

Because January 28 is designated a non-working day, people who need public services should check the relevant office’s schedule in advance. Check opening hours and transport schedules with each provider before making plans.[1][2]