According to local lore in Armenia, especially during traditional festivals like Vardavar, there is an alleged regulation requiring festival costumes and food stalls to be set at precise distances from public fountains and similar communal water sources. The purpose is said to be twofold: to respect the sanctity and cleanliness of these public spaces and to prevent crowding that might disturb communal rituals or block water flow. While this rule is rarely cited in formal legal texts, it persists as part of local festival etiquette, with participants taking care to avoid encroaching on the fountains’ immediate surroundings. The costumes worn often feature vibrant colors and flowing fabric, which, combined with nearby food stalls, could pose safety and cleanliness concerns if situated too close to water features. Despite the charm of this tradition, official verification remains elusive, and it is best understood as a blend of cultural respect and practical public order rather than an enforceable law. It provides an intriguing glimpse into how public spaces, food, and cultural attire intersect during Armenian festivals.
Source / verification note
Based on local cultural practices and claims from community observers; no direct legal text found.