Learn A Circle Dance Before Your Next Kef!

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It’s summertime, which means if you’re not partying at a destination wedding in Armenia, you’re probably partying somewhere else in the world, partaking in age-old traditions we Armenians love and are good at, like khorovadz (barbecue), oghi (fruit vodka), and shurj par (circle dance). Wait. You don’t know how to dance a proper shurj par? Don’t panic. This edition of #1ALoves has you covered! This month we’re dancing to a classic re-worked by Katil Band, marveling at murals in Armenia’s villages created by Patmi Cultural NGO, reading real women’s stories while shopping for beautiful scarves from Aluna, and learning about Armenia’s waste management problem on the EVN Report Podcast.

What we’re listening to

Katil Band — “Kham-Khama”
2019 | Folk | 3:27

Love Armenian dance? You’re going to love this rendition of an Armenian dance classic by one of our favorite local bands, Katil! “Kham-Khama” is a dance from the Vaspurakan (Van) region of Western Armenia, which was preserved by descendants of genocide survivors who settled in Fresno, California. The narrator of the song, who has had a drink or two (or three), sings about seeing a beautiful girl and going crazy as they dance together. Katil has given this song their signature touch, and we can’t get enough! Want to learn the dance that goes along with the song to impress your friends and family at the next kef? Watch this video!

What we want

Bright & Colorful Armenian Scarves
From Aluna

Aluna is an Armenia-based brand creating beautiful kashmir and silk scarves adorned with Armenian motifs and patterns. Not only are Aluna’s scarves bright, colorful, and unisex, they come with a message. Last month Aluna launched its “Embrace Yourself” campaign, sharing portraits and stories of real women who have something to say. The campaign’s aim is to raise women’s voices and inspire self-expression among women. Read our very own creative producer Astghik Sayadyan’s story here. While Aluna is working on getting their website up and running, you can send them a message on Facebook to place an order on a scarf (international shipping available).

What (podcast) we’re listening to

“How Do We Handle Our Waste?”
Podcast | EVN Report | 24 July, 2019 | 32:25

If you’re active on social media and follow discussions happening here in Armenia, you probably know that many Yerevantsis have been dissatisfied with waste management in the city. And with Lake Sevan’s recent algae bloom (the result of falling water levels and waste dumping) making international headlines, waste management is a pressing issue in Armenia today. That’s why we’re listening to this podcast from EVN Report with Harutyun Alpetyan, lead expert at the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment’s Waste Governance program. In the podcast, Alpetyan discusses what it’ll take to develop a national solid waste management policy.

Who we’re following

Patmi Cultural NGO
@patmi.ngo

Patmi Cultural NGO is creating outdoor art galleries inspired by rural Armenia’s cultural heritage, turning local tales and legends into beautiful murals in villages across Armenia. How? By connecting local, young artists with international street artists. They’re also organizing workshops and creating opportunities for cultural exchanges between generations and across borders. Check out this beautiful mural in Meghradzor village, Kotayk Province, by Moldovian artist BTA. Head to Patmi’s page to read the local legend behind this mural.