Azdvadzadzin Celebrations in Vakifli Village, Antakya - Aug.2009

Vakifli is the only Armenian village in Antakya city loceted in South Turkey. Every year in mid August thousands of Armenians meet there and celebrate their religious holiday called Aztvadzadzin (Virgin Mary and Grape Festival). First day, priest of the church blesses the "salt" as a first step of the celebrations. Village women and men begin to prepare traditional food "Harisa" (Largely named as "keskek" in Anatolia). Meats boil in seven large cauldrons during the night till morning. Seven symbolize, seven villages living in the past on the "Muse Mountain". Hatay with a referendum in 1939 after joining Turkey the people of other Armenian villages of Musa Mountain refuse it and migrate to Lebanon. During the night people dance and fun with traditional music and Armenians songs. Second day priest bless the grape and organize a religious ceremony in the garden of the church. After the ceremony he blesses the "Harisa" before distributing to the people. Then village people share the food