Participants splash each other with water in Yerevan on July 12, 2026, as they take part in the annual Vardavar Festival. Vardavar is the traditional Armenian water festival, with people drenching each other with water, dating back to pagan times. The ancient festival is traditionally associated with the goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water, beauty, love, and fertility. (Photo by KAREN MINASYAN / AFP)