Armenian Independence Day Festival celebrates culture and unity

Glendale event is attended by 5,000, including elected officials

by Anna Margaryan

Published: Saturday September 27, 2008

Lilia Dance Group. Helena Gregorian

Glendale, Calif. - A gorgeous early autumn day, rich cuisine, lively music, and an overflowing display of culture completed the scene at the picturesque Verdugo Park, where several thousand people gathered for the tenth annual Armenian Independence Day Festival on September 21, 2008.

Nine months of dedicated labor on the part of the Nor Serount Cultural Association resulted in a fun, engaging, and memorable event. Organized in conjunction with the Armenian Council of America, Gaidz Youth Organization, Homenmen, and Glendale and Pasadena women's auxiliaries, and supported by a long list of sponsors including Stacy Adams Collection, Polanti Watches, Commerce Casino, Vrej Pastry, Glendale Medical Pharmacy, this year's festival had an added emotional dimension as it also celebrated the 4500th anniversary of the battle of Hayk and Bel - the legendary event that is believed to mark the beginning of Armenian statehood.

The tree-lined paths of Verdugo Park were replete with white booths, carnival games, and inflatable bounce houses for kids. There was also a large stage. The vendors sold everything from Tamara Ice Cream, lavash and cheese sandwiches, and baklava to children's clothing, natural gemstone jewelry, and handmade souvenirs from Armenia. Booths included those of Nor Serount, the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry, Berj Bookstore, Moon Mart Kabob, Nic Nac Kids' Clothing, Alep Travel and Tours, the Armenian Council of America, Gaidz Youth Organization, Avon, and more.

The fragrant aroma of spiced kabobs, rice, and barbecued vegetables pervaded the air as hundreds of families poured into the park with infants, strollers, grandparents, and lawn chairs in tow.

What began as an overcast day cleared up just in time for the opening ceremony. Yet, judging by the faces of enthusiastic attendees, even a gloomy sky and a little bit of rain could not dampen their spirits.

Norayr Khatchadorian, a longtime member of Nor Serount, attended the festivities with his entire family. The eloquent grandfather said he has been coming to the festival from the very first year it was established. Indeed, I came across many regulars.

The Armenian tricolor was proudly displayed throughout the park, waving side by side with its sister flag, the stars and stripes. The intermingling of the two flags in the gentle breeze reflected the blended identity of the thousands who had congregated to celebrate the independence of Armenia.

"I wept when I saw our three colors in front of the United Nations building," said Master of Ceremonies Steven H. Gimian, referring to the first time he witnessed the world's recognition of the Armenian republic as an independent state.

His sentiment was reflected in the countless emotional and unmistakably proud Armenian eyes that surrounded me.

Let the festivities begin

The opening ceremony commenced with a speech by Gimian, who expressed his belief that the event was not only a celebration of 17 years of Armenian Independence but also a commemoration of the survival of Armenian culture for 4,500 years.

For the benefit of the many non-Armenians in attendance, the entire ceremony was conducted in both Armenian and English, with the help of Chris Garsevanian.

The festival was kicked off with the Glendale High School Chamber Choir's rendition of the American and Armenian national anthems. The choir, under the leadership of Grace Sheldon-Williams, is comprised of Armenian and non-Armenian students alike, although listening to their heartfelt performance of "Mer Hayrenik" did not give away this fact. For her choir's decade-long contribution to the Armenian Independence Day Festival, Gimian presented Sheldon-Williams with a framed Armenian illuminated manuscript.

Following the choir's performances, dignitaries representing the City of Glendale and the office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger took the stage to offer their remarks.

Glendale Mayor John Drayman addressed the audience with a sincere congratulation for its influence on the life of the city. He cited the Armenian community's dedication to children and families as "phenomenal."

"All of the Council members, myself included, work for the city at large," the mayor told me. "I know that I have constituents here that supported me, and, whether they did or didn't support me, I support them. I grew up in this city at a time when it was a very hard city to grow up in as a minority and the Armenian community transformed this city. The Armenian population's contribution to the music, art, and culture of this city is to be applauded."

Lisa Kalustian, chief deputy director of the office of Arnold Schwarzenegger, read a letter from the governor addressed to the Armenian citizens of California. The governor thanked the Armenian community for its many social, cultural, and economic contributions to the State of California.

"As an Armenian-American, it is a tremendous honor to work for a governor who is very supportive of our community," Kalustian said. "As an immigrant himself, the governor knows what it's like to come to another country and establish yourself."

Center stage

Although the event was dedicated to all things Armenian, there was certainly room for celebrating world culture. Thus former actress Jani Quintero performed two dynamic flamenco dances. Outfitted in a flowing white and blue flowered gown reminiscent of traditional flamenco dancers from Seville, the wife of Glendale City Councilman Frank Quintero dazzled onlookers and brought a Spanish flavor to the event.

This infusion of the multicultural is aligned with the goals of the festival's organizers, who have always sought to make this event a diverse community affair where a cultural dialogue can be established between the various ethnic groups that inhabit the city.

"Glendale is a diverse community, so if each of us brings forth our history and our culture, then we can share and learn from each other," said Gimian, who is also a longtime member of Nor Serount. "By sharing we find out that we have many similarities," he continued. "Race, color, and culture aren't barriers anymore because, as human beings, we have many similarities."