Commemoration Events in Geneva Marking the 111th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

24 April, 2026

The commemoration ceremonies marking the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Geneva began on the eve of April 24 with a youth gathering held in Trembley Park, in front of the “Lanterns of Memory” memorial.

The event took place with the participation of the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Switzerland and the Mayor of Geneva, bringing together members of the Swiss‑Armenian community, young people and numerous guests to honor the memory of the one and a half million victims of the Genocide, to reaffirm their commitment to remembrance, justice and human dignity and to underscore the importance of uniting international efforts to prevent the recurrence of crimes against humanity.

Uniting representatives of different generations, this inaugural event was organized at the initiative of Armenian youth in Geneva, under the auspices of the Council of Armenian and Armenophile Associations of Switzerland.

During the official part of the ceremony, remarks were delivered by H.E. Hasmik Tolmajian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Switzerland, Alfonso Gomez, Mayor of Geneva, Lerna Bagdjian, member of the Council of Armenian and Armenophile Associations of Switzerland as well as representatives of Swiss‑Armenian youth organizations.

In her address, Ambassador Tolmajian emphasized that the “Lanterns of Memory” are not only a place of remembrance for the past, but also a call for dignity, vigilance and responsibility toward the future. She stressed that 111 years after the Genocide, the Republic of Armenia stands as the testament to the miracle of the Armenian people’s rebirth, the homeland of all Armenians and the principal pillar for preserving the Armenian language, culture, national memory and the guiding vision for the future.

The Ambassador also paid tribute to Charles Aznavour, whose name is inseparably linked to the history and symbolic significance of the memorial inaugurated in April 2018.

The official ceremony was followed by a cultural program featuring performances by the “Gamar” ethnographic ensemble, including Armenian musical pieces, recitations and traditional dances, which infused the event with a distinctive spirit and cultural depth.

As part of the commemoration, an exhibition dedicated to the Armenian Genocide was also organized, presenting documentary materials that offered visitors the opportunity to learn about the historical facts and context of Mets Eghern.

On April 24, a special intercessory service was held at the St. Hagop Armenian Church of Geneva, presided over by His Grace Bishop Barseghyan, in memory of the holy martyrs of the Armenian Genocide.

The commemoration continued at Armenia Square, located near the church, where a wreath‑laying ceremony took place at the khachkar memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

The Mayor of Troinex, Guy Lavorel, was also present and delivered remarks. The ceremony was followed by musical performances featuring the immortal works of Komitas Vardapet.

The series of events concluded on April 27 with a solemn ceremony held at the historic Eynard Palace of the Geneva City Hall, organized jointly by the Geneva Municipality and the Council of Armenian and Armenophile of Switzerland (CAAS). Speeches were delivered by Geneva Mayor Alfonso Gomez, Nicolas Walder, State Councillor of the Canton and Republic of Geneva, CAAS President Sarkis Shahinian, Pierre Enkzézian, President of the Union of Swiss Armenians and Hambardzum Minasyan, First Secretary of the Embassy of Armenia in Switzerland.

The event was attended by high‑level representatives of federal, cantonal and municipal authorities of Switzerland and the City of Geneva, ambassadors and diplomats accredited to the United Nations Office in Geneva, as well as members of the Armenian community. The ceremony was accompanied by performances of Armenian sacred music.

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