‘Harmony among ethnic groups’

Dancing was central to the festival’s success, organizers said. Armenian dance is as old, or older, than the culture itself, Khodanian said.

“Guys project masculinity and courage,” she said. “It’s how you reflect emotions. We’ve always been in a struggle, and that is portrayed in the dance.”

Almara Mirzakhanian and Polin Avakemian emigrated from Iran eight months ago and said the most radical experience has been simply walking the halls of their high schools. The 17-year-olds said the Armenian festival made them feel closer to home.

“In Iran this was a big day for Armenians,” Mirzakhanian said. “There was a big party in a club; we’d always gather for dancing and music.”

Nearby, a man chopped tomatoes for sujuk sandwiches, which he described as “Armenian tacos.” The dish is an Armenian specialty. Beef is seasoned with seven or eight spices, mixed with a lot of garlic and served on a French roll or pita, he said. Baklava and kebab were also on the menu.

Vartan Kajikian came to the festival to meet fellow fathers of children with disabilities, he said. Kajikian runs the Ripsime Foundation, a nonprofit organization named after his daughter, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

“We are a group of dads . . . who bring handicapped children together to have some fun and give moms a day to have for themselves,” he said.

The city of Glendale partnered with Nor Serount and facilitated the event.

“We just want to promote harmony among ethnic groups,” said Khodanian, an organizer. “It’s a natural thing.”