Streets across Armenia’s capital were filled with light as thousands gathered for the annual torchlight march ahead of April 24, marking 111 years since the Armenian Genocide. People of all ages walked together through Yerevan, honoring the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who were killed.
The march is organized each year by the youth wing of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. It begins in Republic Square and moves through central Yerevan before reaching the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, the official site dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Large crowds took part, carrying torches as they walked in silence and reflection.
The Armenian Genocide was carried out by the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It began on April 24, 1915, when Armenian intellectuals and community leaders were arrested and later killed. This was followed by mass killings, forced marches and widespread starvation, in what historians describe as an attempt to destroy the Armenian population from its historic homeland.
Today, the government of Turkey continues to deny that these events constitute genocide. Azerbaijan, a close ally of Turkey, has also supported this position. During this year’s march, some participants burned the Turkish flag as a sign of protest, reflecting ongoing anger and concern over security and identity issues.
April 24 is observed each year as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. Across Armenia and in Armenian communities worldwide, people gather to honor the victims by lighting candles, placing flowers at memorials and sharing family histories passed down through generations.
As marchers reached the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, the flames of the torches remained steady, symbolizing both grief and resilience. Participants stood together in remembrance, reinforcing a message shared by Armenians around the world — that the past is not forgotten and that recognition and justice remain central demands.
This year’s march also carried added emotional weight, as tensions in the region remain high and the consequences of recent conflicts, including the loss of Artsakh, continue to shape public sentiment. For many, the torchlight procession was not only about honoring the past, but also about raising awareness of present-day challenges.
The steady glow of torches moving through Yerevan served as a symbol of continuity. Participants showed that remembrance remains strong and that the call for truth and justice continues to guide future generations.
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