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May 28th, 1918 is a
great day in Armenian history. It is the Independence
Day of the first Armenian Republic, established after
miraculous victories in Sartarabad, Pash Abaran and
Gharakilise.
This year, 2005, to commemorate this historical event
Armenians decided to have a great national festivity
with an aim of displaying unity. The result
was the performance of the first circle dance of its
kind in the world, with the participation of about 150
thousand dancers, encircling Armenia's highest mountain Arakadz and creating a human dancing chain of 163
kilometers.
The dance started under the rhythm of traditional music
at 3 p.m. and lasted for 15 minutes. The participants
were standing at about one meter distance from each
other, wearing apricot colored caps, symbolizing one of
the colors of the Armenian flag.
President Robert Kocharian and his guest famous
French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour took also part
in the spectacular dancing session.
 The
evening just before the dancing, great fireworks were
lighted up, symbolizing Saint Krikor the Illuminators
lamp, traditionally believed to brighten the sky dome
over Mount Arakadz, professed to be seen by the
believers only.
Vanoush Khanamiryan, President of the Dance Union, took
part in the dance together with 6000 professional
dancers, representing some 50 dancing groups, all
wearing national dresses. Famous musician Ara Gevorgyan
composed a song dedicated to the event.
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