PARANFEST
The first festival of Japanese culture of consensual captivity and rope bondage (shibari) in Armenia, featuring invited artists from different countries. The festival will last two days and will include spectacular performances, educational lectures, training workshops, a market zone, open discussions, and much more. Our main focus is the development of culture and art. The event is not intended for persons under 18 years of age or for particularly sensitive individuals.
Focus and Concept of the Festival
PARANFEST is a festival of Japanese shibari culture in Armenia. It will take place on May 23–24, 2026, in Yerevan.
The program includes artist performances, educational lectures, training workshops, a market zone, and open discussions. The main focus is the development of culture and art.
The program includes artist performances, educational lectures, training workshops, a market zone, and open discussions. The main focus is the development of culture and art.
Festival Program
May 23, 2026
(market, bar, and food available all day)
(market, bar, and food available all day)
14:00
14:00
Festival opening
14:00 – 17:00
14:00 – 17:00
Day program (workshops, lectures, discussions)
17:00 – 18:00
17:00 – 18:00
Break / chill zone
18:00 – 22:00
18:00 – 22:00
Stage performances (Sun & Moon)
22:00
22:00
End of the day
May 24, 2026
(market, bar, and food available all day)
(market, bar, and food available all day)
13:00 – 14:00
13:00 – 14:00
Festival opening (exact time may slightly change)
14:00 – 17:00
14:00 – 17:00
Day program (workshops, lectures, discussions)
17:00 – 22:00
17:00 – 22:00
Performances, final part
22:00
22:00
Festival closing
News
News about the PARANFEST festival, including announcements and program updates, are published in the “News” section. Stay tuned!
Festival Announcement
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The first festival of consensual captivity culture in Armenia.
Age Restriction
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The event is not intended for persons under 18 years of age.
Event Features
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A cultural and artistic event featuring elements of shibari.
Festival Program
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Performances, lectures, workshops, and more.
Target Audience
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For riggers of all levels and anyone interested in rope culture.
Warning
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Not intended for particularly sensitive individuals.
Gallery
Gallery with photos and videos from the PARANFEST festival. Immerse yourself in the world of Japanese culture and art.
Educational Workshops
Shibari masterclasses open to everyone
Artist Performances
Spectacular acts featuring shibari
Educational Lectures
Discussions on the history and culture of shibari
FAQ
PARANFEST is not intended for persons under 18 years of age.
Attendance rules require mandatory pre-registration.
The program includes spectacular performances, educational lectures, training workshops, a market zone, and open discussions.
The festival will be interesting not only for experienced riggers but also for those who want to learn more about the practice of tying a person, or for anyone who would like to experience something new and aesthetically engaging through performances and shows.
Lectures and Workshops
- Alternative to Takate Kote for Suspensions and Beyond by ZévsaWorkshop
This workshop will explore variations of chest harnesses and different Karada options. - Four Elements — a method of sensual tying by Tati LimatiWorkshop
Shibari as a living language of the body, emotions, and meaning: a method that brings together martial arts, contact improvisation, tantra, and somatic practices, where you learn not to copy but to express yourself through movement, feelings, and associations. Working with the four elements helps deepen improvisation, reveal your individual style, and bring aesthetics, sincerity, and playfulness into tying — while the fifth element reveals itself in the process. Suitable for all levels. - Elementary Chaos: Functional Improvisation TechniqueWorkshop
A breakdown of chaotic style through 2–3 ties: why tension is everything, how to use unconventional anchor points to recreate the functionality of classical patterns, and how to build structure using alternative methods. You’ll see that “chaos” in rope is not randomness, but a system with clear principles that determine stability and safety. - Cultural Aspects of Shibari and Its Origins by Nik FreerideLecture
We will explore how rope became rooted in Japanese culture — from kabuki theater to hojojutsu and hon-nawa — and discuss key concepts (makoto, mio, ma) along with Zen aesthetics. Through the differences between Eastern and Western ways of thinking, we’ll examine what traditional shibari truly is and why it emerged specifically in Japan.
Festival Participants
Performers on the Sun & Moon stages
- Nick FreeRiderParticipant of major Russian and international festivals, creator of the “Shibaru” festival, founder of a shibari school
- Lu'naOwner of ParanFest, the Dream Yerevan project, and the waxmelu.ru brand; rigger and bondage model for Eva (evainropes)
- Alexandra Bor (Trojm)Performed at Ropefest and Moscow Bound, organizer of Bondage Time, instructor at Red Club, Nakonec.to, Dream Yerevan, and other events
- Secret GuestShibari practitioner exploring rope as a form of dialogue and a way of interaction
- Tati LimatiOrganizer of Shi Fest Ukraine (2016–2019), Shibari Camp Poland & Ukraine (since 2020), as well as shibari theater projects worldwide. Creator and instructor of the original style “Four Elements”
- Alina aka Entangled WitchAlina discovered shibari almost by accident more than eight years ago while searching for macramé patterns. But behind decorative weaving, she saw something more: the beauty of complex rope structures on the human body — and fell in love
- ZévsaBondage artist. Creator of Shibari Sketch Day and co-organizer of the Shibaru community
- LeonokraA shibari master from Saint Petersburg. First encountered bondage in 2019. Since then, rope has become for her a way to explore human states, connection, and presence in the moment
- AugustBondage artist and model
Our Partners
If you're interested in partnering or sponsoring, don't hesitate to contact us
Contacts
Contact us by email or phone for more information about the PARANFEST festival.
+37499958427
paranfest@runbox.com
paranfest@runbox.com
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