From Festivals to a Children's Book Series: 5 Years of Collaboration Between Newmag and Yeraz Projects and a Look at What's Next

Yeraz Park is a place where children and adults alike immerse themselves in a magical atmosphere year-round, especially in summer. This season began with a special event on June 1 themed “A Thousand and One Fairy Tales,” capturing the belief that every child carries a fairytale in their heart. The laughter, joy, and wonder of children make the world brighter, and Yeraz Projects is committed to nurturing that magic.

“We welcomed our guests this year with a new energy and many exciting updates, from improved entertainment infrastructure and fresh interiors to new games, services, and experiences,” says Petrosyan.

Yeraz Park celebrates both national and Christian holidays, such as the Blessing of the Grapes and Vardavar, bringing Armenia’s cultural and spiritual heritage to life for a new generation. Highlights include the Ice Cream Festival, and the return of the EVN Challenge, an international hip-hop event.

A new space in the park, “The Fairy Tale is Calling,” will feature live storytelling sessions and theatrical performances of timeless classics, from “Little Red Riding Hood” to “The Three Little Pigs”. And of course, Yeraz will once again host Newmag Summerfest, bringing together book lovers, writers, and artists for two days of literature and celebration.

“Yeraz Projects” places education and social development at the heart of its mission. Their belief is simple: education is not just knowledge, but power and opportunity.

“Our goal is to support programs that equip children and youth with the tools they need for self-development and lifelong success,” says Petrosyan.

This vision extends beyond the classroom. The Yeraz Charitable Foundation, established under the same umbrella, began its mission by supporting children with diabetes and has since expanded to wider social initiatives focused on community development and well-being.

For the fifth consecutive year, Yeraz Projects is the co-organizer of Newmag Summerfest and the children’s Dream Book Festival, a rare example of such long-standing collaboration in the field.

“Supporting Armenian-language literature is part of our responsibility and our identity. Through Summerfest and the Dream series, we help create a world where children grow up loving literature and dreaming in the language they know best,” says Petrosyan.

The cooperation began five years ago with the first Summerfest and later deepened through a memorandum of cooperation and the creation of the Dream Book children’s series.

This year, Newmag Summerfest 2025 returns with a fresh and unexpected format, combining books, wine, and jazz for an elevated cultural experience.

The Dream Book Festival will open both days with a rich program including children’s performances, theater shows, storytelling sessions, and, of course, the launch of five new children’s titles.

Jazz lovers can enjoy live performances from leading Armenian musicians, while wine enthusiasts can participate in tastings and masterclasses by top local winemakers. It’s more than a festival, it’s a two-day celebration of culture, creativity, and community.

Petrosyan highlights several recent Newmag publications she recommends for readers of all ages:

• “School of Seven Galaxies” by Ruslan Saghabalyan: A space-themed adventure from the Dream series about students from different galaxies, filled with imagination, friendship, and resilience.
• “Every Family Has a Story” by Julia Samuel: A psychological guide that explores the importance of intergenerational relationships and offers practical tools for building stronger family bonds.
• “The Last Red Lipstick” by Tsovinar Barkhudaryan: A poignant collection of real-life stories from the aftermath of the Artsakh exodus, bearing witness to survival, resilience, and collective trauma.

With each new season, Yeraz Park continues to grow as a cherished space for children, families, and young people. The team remains committed to blending tradition with innovation, honoring Armenian heritage while creating new celebrations, cultivating knowledge, and spreading kindness.

“We’re proud that Yeraz Park has become a favorite destination for so many. It encourages us to keep dreaming, keep creating, and always stay true to our roots.”