The Lori region has a lot to offer and it is one of the most beautiful regions of Armenia with otherworldly green nature, dramatic mountains, and breathtaking historical sites situated at the most epics corners of Debed Canyon.
The region is not only great for hiking and biking, eco-tourism, and other activities but it is also becoming a festival hub for music, art, and technologies.
Starting in 2022, the COAF SMART Center hosted a wonderful festival called STARMUS Day at the SMART Center.
Because Armenia was hosting one of the most famous scientific festivals in the world, the Starmus Festival, the COAF SMART Center organized a festival to celebrate its coming to Armenia!
STARMUS Day was held on September 10th and the event hosted vendors and guests from all over the region (and other parts of Armenia). In fact, there was even a global presence there!
The organizers plan to make this annual event in that area, so the name will likely change, but the energy of the festival will undoubtedly stay the same!
About the COAF Smart Center
The COAF SMART Center is located in Debed village surrounded by mountains, a gorge, and a river.
The organizers created an exciting environment where the visitors can enjoy nature, observe the futuristic design of the facility, and participate in the festival.
COAF organized this festival in an attempt to develop the Lori region, create an exchange of experiences for local children, and put the region on the map for its locally made products and other things.
The 2022 Festival Agenda
The festival started at 1200 when scientists from different countries gave lectures about space and other enthralling topics.
At the same time, more than 30 local business owners displayed their products outside under tents the organizers had set up.
The expo featured products made in Lori from the region’s famous cheese to different handmade trinkets and gifts.
At 1500, live performances from various bands from Armenia, Norway, Russia, and other countries started to play different styles of music… from electronic to rock.
A thematic planetarium was located close to the stage where the visitors were able to enter and see illustrations from space and more! It was super interactive and a great place for kids and adults alike!
The food court was located on the right side of the stage and offered dishes from diverse cuisines, but most notably regional Lori dishes!
As night fell and the sky cleared up, guests went to the left side of the stage to participate in a little stargazing to connect with space, as well as observe the moon up close and see the bright stars from large telescopes.
The festival ended at 0000 that same evening. It was one action-packed and exciting day!
The most important thing to note is that this festival is free and everyone can go and enjoy all event that takes place there! If you love nature, space, good music, and food… then this festival is for you!
We will update this guide with 2023 information as it is released! Hope to see some of you there!
**Our trip to the Debed Canyon was part of the “Lori, Your Next Destination” project by Visit Debed Canyon (co-funded by GIZ and COAF). All opinions are our own.
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