The government has allocated more than $3.5 million to celebrate Armenia’s 35th anniversary of independence

The Armenian government has allocated 1.3 billion drams ($3.5 million) for events marking the 35th anniversary of the republic’s independence. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting today, on August 27.

The funds will be allocated from the reserve fund. The largest expense item, 1.031 billion drams ($2.82 million), is allocated for the festive concert, which will be held on September 21 at Republic Square in Yerevan. The organizers expect about 40,000 spectators.

The program will be divided into two parts. The first will be a historical and cultural show based on the concept inspired by the Armenian fairy tale and legend “Azaran Blbul”. After the show, there will be a concert featuring Tata Simonyan, Arman Oganesyan, Iveta Mukuchyan, Liparit Avetisyan, Gevorg Hakobyan, Aram MP3, and Karen-Sevak Band. The State Symphony Orchestra of Armenia and the National Academic Choir of Armenia named after Hovhannes Chekijyan will also perform.

Almost 80% of the allocated amount is actually spent on a single festive event, a concert in the center of the capital.