Ani Gevorgyan

23-year-old Nairi Zatikyan, born and raised in São Paulo, moved to Armenia three months ago, never imagining that she would be caught up in the historical political developments that have recently taken place in the country. 

That’s how she describes the “Velvet Revolution”; as an historical event. 

Nairi shares her impressions of the “Velvet Revolution”. She also recalls protesting and dancing one year ago in San Paulo together with her friends. 

"In April last year, on the eve of the Armenian Genocide Day, we went out together with 6-7 friends on São Paulo's largest and busiest street - Paulista- and danced the Kochari (traditional Armenian dance -ed.). The passers-by were quite impressed, and many Brazilians learned that day about the Armenian Genocide, " says Nairi. 

On April 28, in the middle of the revolutionary events in Armenia, she applied for Armenian citizenship. 

"I was born and raised in São Paulo, I have two sisters and a brother. Several months ago, I realized that I should move to Yerevan and arrange my life here," says Nairi.

"This photo was taken when we learned that Serzh Sargsyan had resigned. In fact, I did not believe that it would be possible to achieve his resignation in such a peaceful way. I knew very well about all the issues in Armenia and I knew that the authorities didn’t care about people’s complaints, " Nairi explains.

Nairi recalls that it was her sister who invited her to join the demonstrations in the city. She says it was very interesting to see what was happening and learn what people wanted.

Nairi says that during her previous visits to Armenia she got the impression that there weren’t many active young people, and that most seemed passive and indifferent. However, her impressions of Armenian youth changed greatly during the protests.

She shows us a photo taken last April when they danced Kochari on Paulista Street.

"During the Yerevan protests, many people asked me why I didn’t go back to the wonderful country I came from. Because of the films, everyone believes that Brazil is a wonderful country. But there are problems in Brazil, too. In fact, the situations in Armenia and Brazil are quite similar. People are dissatisfied with the government there as well. There is widespread poverty and unemployment,” she says.

“I’d really like to see the new government being able achieve things so that diaspora Armenians come to Armenia not only motivated by their dreams or patriotism," says Nairi.

Nairi recalls an episode during the protest days, when she was standing in front of Yerevan’s Dalma shopping center together with her aunt and sister. They joined the crowded march that had approached them and started walking with them. This made her feel like being a part of something big and unbelievable.

"At the end of the day, when I was coming back home after the rallies, I thought I was dreaming. I could not comprehend that it was all real," says Nairi.

Nairi says “Free and Fair Armenia" is now her motto.