The traditional Sheep Shearing Festival in Armenia has been held since 2014 by the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO. Sheep Shearing Festival was first held in 2014 and “Strategic Development Agency” (SDA) NGO has been involved in its organization and execution over the years. In 2017, SDA headed the organization works and held the festival in Syunik Animal Market. The main purpose of the event is to promote local products, traditions and culture of Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions, as well as to develop rural tourism, which will contribute to the economic development of both regions.
In 2019, the Festival expanded its geography and involved participants from Tavush, Shirak, Lori and Gegharkunik regions.
Each year the Sheep Shearing Festival includes a sheep shearing competition, games, live music, dances, and a fair, where local producers from Vayots Dzor, Syunik, Tavush, Shirak, Lori, Gegharkunik regions present their products: homemade food, drinks, and handmade souvenirs.
According to the established tradition, best sheep shearers participate in the competition. The festival also includes a cultural and experience exchange component, for which a master class is conducted by a professional sheep shearer from abroad. During the master class, local farmers have the opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions of other sheep-hunting regions, to exchange experiences.
