Thirty rural communities in Armenia’s Armavir province displayed the fruit of their labors, apricots and apricot products, at a first ever festival dedicated to Prunus armeniaca that took place today outside the community hall in the town of Metzamor.

The apricot is regarded as Armenia’s national fruit.

Although local farmers were unhappy with the apricot harvest this year, due to spring frost damage, they presented their wares to festival goers.

Local song and dance groups entertained visitors to the festival.

Armavir Provincial Governor Edvard Hovhannisyan, who attended the festival, could not refuse an invitation to sample some apricot vodka.

"Are you offering everyone some apricot vodka?" he joked.