On April 22, Yerevan was officially declared the World Book Capital 2012.

The grand ceremony took place at Matenadaran, the museum of ancient manuscripts, with the mayor of World Book Capital 2011 Buenos Aires Mauricio Macri presenting the title to Yerevan’s mayor Taron Margaryan.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II, Prime Minister Tigran Sarsyan and other high-ranking officials including foreign delegations and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia attended the ceremony.

The event featured Argentine tango dancers, Armenia’s national dancing ensemble, national dancing group from Bangkok which will take over the Book Capital title in 2013.

The festive ceremony ended with a 3D show and wonderful fireworks.

In addition, a statue of a climbing man consisting of letters of 19 alphabets was installed in Mashtots Avenue in Yerevan.