Everyone is well aware that Georgians know how to celebrate like no one else and know a lot about feasts, delicious food and good wine. Therefore, there is nothing surprising in the way people honor and respect national holidays in Georgia.
The main holidays of Georgia
One of the most important holidays in Georgia. It is based on the acquisition by Georgia of the great Orthodox shrine - the tunic of the Lord. Thanks to the acquisition of such an important relic, the main temple of the country, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, was built in Mtskheta.
Every year on this day, a festive service is held, after which a mass baptism is held, which has become a Georgian tradition of the holiday. Also on this day, it is customary to visit the ancient monastery of Jvari and other ancient temples, which are very numerous in Georgia.
This is a big church holiday dedicated to the arrival of St. Nino in Georgia, who brought the Christian faith with her to Georgia.
The relics of the saint are in the Bodbe Monastery in Kakheti. Every year on June 1, hundreds of pilgrims come here, and a solemn service is held in the Zion Temple in Tbilisi.
Queen Tamara is the wisest and greatest ruler of Georgia, the government of the bark fell on the beginning of the 13th century. Under her rule, Georgia experienced unprecedented prosperity, spirituality and enlightenment. For her great deeds, the church canonized her among the saints.
This is one of the main national holidays of Georgia. The main celebration takes place in Akhaltsikhe, where there is a monument in her honor.
St. George is the most revered and beloved saint among Georgians. On this day, all churches in Georgia ring their bells, and believers kneel in prayers to St. George. He is asked for well-being in the family, the health of loved ones and the world.
On November 23, a solemn liturgy is celebrated at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Tbilisi. In Georgia, this is an official day off, on which they relax and devote time to their families.
On March 31, 1991, the independence of Georgia was declared, but Georgians celebrate the anniversary of independence on May 26, since it was on this day, in 1918, that Georgia first gained independence.
There are parades and concerts all over the country. Also on this day, according to tradition, a flower festival is held.
National Unity Day is a harbinger of Georgia's independence. Since the events of April 9, the idea of sovereignty has been entrenched among the Georgians and the national unity for which they are so famous was born. On this date, in 1989, Soviet troops entered Georgia in order to suppress rallies for the independence of Georgia. Today, on this day, Georgians remember the heroes who died for the freedom of their country and bring flowers to memorials.
Rtveli
An old Georgian holiday in honor of the day of the grape harvest. It is not tied to any date, as the grape harvest is different in different parts of Georgia. If you want to see real Georgian traditions, try to visit this holiday.
The holiday of Rtveli is fun, dancing, laughter, songs, and, of course, the famous Georgian wine, which flows like a stream on this day.
New Year
One of the most important and brightest holidays, which Georgians love very much and know how to celebrate so noisily and cheerfully that hardly anyone is able to compete with them. Celebrating the New Year in Georgia, you literally enjoy every minute of the feast.
In Georgia, the holiday adored by everyone has its own characteristics and traditions of celebration. For example, in addition to the New Year tree, Georgians also decorate chichikali - a homemade Christmas tree made of pieces of wood. After the New Year, chichikali is burned so that all the problems and hardships that have accumulated over the year will burn with it.
The New Year's table in Georgia is also special. It is not just beautifully covered, it is simply bursting with the number of dishes on it. Here you will find spicy marinades, juicy boiled pork, khachapuri savitsi, homemade cheese, roast pig, honey gozinaki, churchkhella and much, much more.
Easter and Christmas in Georgia
The most important and great Christian holidays that have been celebrated in Georgia since time immemorial. Adults and children are always waiting for them with great desire. The traditions of celebrating Easter in Georgia are very similar to ours. Georgians also bake Easter cakes, paint eggs and go to church.
But the celebration of Christmas in Georgia is a little different from ours. Liturgy begins on the night before Christmas in all the churches of Georgia. And after the service, early in the morning, the solemn procession "Alilo" begins. Christians with priests walk the streets of cities and sing church songs, thus symbolizing the good news of the birth of Jesus. On Christmas night, Georgians put lighted candles on the windows in memory of biblical events. Of the culinary traditions, it is worth highlighting kvertsi - Georgian holiday cakes.
Given the fact that most of the citizens living in Georgia are Christians, all important events related to this religion are celebrated in the country.
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Given the fact that most of the citizens living in Georgia are Christians, all important events related to this religion are celebrated in the country. Along with this, there are national holidays, the history of which goes back to the distant past of the history of Georgia.
Holidays and days off in Georgia
March-April - Easter
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Georgia is a multinational country. It has ethnic regional groups, such as Mingrelians and Svans. There are also national minorities: Russians, Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Greeks, Ossetians. The country's culture thus consists of local traditions mixed with European and Middle Eastern traditions. The main Georgian traditional holidays are celebrated on the New Year, Christmas, Epiphany, the celebration of Mother's Day (March 3) and International Women's Day, April Memorial Day, Victory Day, Independence Day (May 26), Mariamoba or Assumption of the Virgin, Svetitskhovloba (14 October), Giorgoba (November 23), Easter.
Mtskhetoba - Svetitskhovloba
A great holiday based on a biblical miracle. On October 14, Georgia acquired the greatest shrine, the Chiton of the Lord, after which the main temple of Svetitskhoveli was built.
Every Georgian knows the legend about how two priests brought Jesus to the country with the Chiton - he was executed in it. This tunic was buried, and a large cedar grew in its place. After many years, the cedar began to stream myrrh. People touched the tree and were healed of diseases, and therefore the cedar was called the Life-Giving Pillar. Subsequently, pillars for the church were carved from the tree trunk.
On the festive day, the Patriarch of Georgia conducts a solemn service and a mass baptism of those who wish at Aragvi and Kura. Not far from the church is the ancient monastery of Jvari, which is visited daily by hundreds of believers.
Ninooba
June 1st celebrates the day of arrival in the country of St. Nino. She converted Georgians to Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century. Nino herself converted to Christianity in the Roman province of Cappadocia. Having moved to Jerusalem, she learned about the tunic of the Lord. It was then that Nino decided to visit Georgia.
The relics of St. Nino are kept in Kakheti. On the first of June, pilgrims come here, a service is held in the Sioni Cathedral. Pilgrims arrange a procession along the route that this holy woman took.
May 14 Georgia celebrates Tamaroba
Queen Tamara is elevated to the rank of saints. During her reign, the tribes of the highlanders were united, the church reconciled with the state, many temples, libraries and monasteries were built. This smartest woman patronized poets and scientists. Therefore, the church treated her with great respect. The celebration on this day takes place in Tbilisi itself and in Akhaltsikhe.
Saint George's Day
The story of St. George took place at the beginning of our era, when Christianity was just emerging. George was the commander of the Roman emperor. When Christians were persecuted, he defended them, for which he himself was wheeled.
Since then, November 23 has been a national holiday for Georgians and, of course, a day off. Georgians stay at home, in the family, lay a festive table and celebrate it with friends and relatives.
International Women's Day and Mother's Day
Georgian women celebrate two women's days at once in March. The first holiday falls on March 3 and is called Mother's Day, the second is International Women's Day, which is celebrated in many countries. The first holiday has been celebrated since 1991. On March 3, the streets of the city are full of flowers, they can be bought almost everywhere. Flowers are given to mothers, grandmothers and wives. On Mother's Day in many cities, concerts, folk festivals and charity events are held on the streets.
It should be noted that Georgians have a particularly respectful attitude towards their mother. And in general, Georgians really appreciate their family, their family and are proud of their origin. The most distant relatives gather at the festive tables, they are always the most welcome guests. And in Tbilisi, there is a huge statue on the mountain, symbolizing Georgia, Mother and Motherland at the same time.
Tbilisoba
Every year in October, a holiday is held, which is dedicated to the city of Tbilisi. There is no exact number. The celebration falls on Saturday-Sunday in October. People from all regions come to the city for the holiday. The streets are festively decorated, trade fairs are organized, collective farmers bring food, wine tasting takes place, souvenirs of folk artisans are sold, concerts are held on the streets of the city. Folk festivities take place for two days, and no one leaves without tasting real Georgian shish kebab and churchkhela.
chiacocoba
The ancient holiday of the pagans, which is celebrated on Wednesday before Maundy Thursday, it is also called Clean Thursday before Easter. When it gets dark, the inhabitants of cities and villages kindle big fires. The fire is made high, but when the main part of it burns out, they begin to jump over it. Georgians believe that this is how they are cleansed of evil spirits.
This holiday brings great joy to children. The Georgian church opposes this holiday, considering it pagan. But Georgians still light fires every year and have fun until the morning.
New Year celebration in Georgia
Instead of an ordinary Christmas tree, Georgians buy chichilaki. This is a wooden stick, which is entwined with snow-white shavings. A peculiar version of the Georgian New Year tree. Chichilaki can be decorated with dried fruits, sweets, and after the old New Year it is burned. Georgians are sure that together with the fire the failures of the outgoing year are fading into the past.
Preparations for the celebration begin in mid-December. Preparations are going on thoroughly, because it is believed that how you celebrate the New Year is how you spend it. Housewives wash everything that can be washed - carpets, curtains, bedspreads. Shake and dry pillows and mattresses. Be sure to wash all the windows, floors, wipe the ceilings, corners - do a general cleaning in the house.
But these are secondary matters. The main thing is the festive table. In order for it to be plentiful, many Georgians begin to prepare in early December, they buy livestock (chicken, turkey, piglet). In early December, they are two times cheaper than on New Year's Eve. On New Year's holidays, the market is so crowded with people that it is impossible to push through. Many merchants do not fit in the market building, so they are forced to stand nearby on the streets. During this period of time, roads near the bazaar are blocked due to merchants. The shelves are bursting with goods that only you will not see on them!
In order to get out of this crush, you will have to spend more than one hour, but, despite the difficulties, the townspeople still rush to the market. For Georgians, it has become a ritual to buy livestock, spices, pickled jonjoli, dried persimmon, gozinaki and churchkhela. Not a single family can do without these products on New Year's Eve in Georgia.
Many rituals in the country are connected with the meeting of the New Year. Many of them have been observed for several centuries. We have already mentioned chichilaki, there is also a ritual associated with bread. For the holiday, the housewives baked a loaf of white bread resembling a bagel. Before the New Year, it was hung on a vine, which meant a good harvest next year.
On the table in every family should be a large dish with various fruits and sweets. In cities, on New Year's Eve, people left their doors open because they believed that happiness walks the streets. If you close the door, it will not be able to enter the house.
Many still adhere to this tradition - they set up a small table in the house with sweets. Candles are placed in the four corners, and at exactly midnight the head of the family must take a table and go around the whole house. It is believed that by these actions an angel is called into the house, which will bring prosperity, happiness and prosperity.
At 12 o'clock at night in many families they shoot in the air. Now, of course, salutes are used instead of guns, but before, each shot meant that the head of the family was killing an evil spirit. It is believed that after this in the new year there will be prosperity and peace in the family. On New Year's Eve, Georgians believe that you can't sleep, because you can oversleep your happiness.
Another custom associated with a person who should come on the first New Year's day. It is called "mekvle". This person should have a pure soul and a “good leg”. But it could only be tested within a year. If the family was lucky for a whole year, there was prosperity, then this means “mekvle” was good. Such a person was then specially invited from house to house on January 1. People believed that his luck would bring them prosperity.
On January 1, festivities, performances and fireworks take place in the streets of cities. But it is necessary to return home before lunch, otherwise, according to the sign, a person will be absent from the house all year.
The celebration of the New Year continues until the night of January 2. This day is called the day of happiness or bedobis dge. It is sure to be held with family or pleasant people, because according to popular belief they say - how you spend it, so it will be all year.
These are the holidays in Georgia that can be singled out as the main ones, although there are many other family celebrations that the people do not forget about and celebrate every year.
Georgia is a country that many people love. Some people admire her nature. Its culture is multifaceted, its people are multinational. There are a lot of holidays here! Some belong only to ethnic groups, they are celebrated on the basis of Georgian traditions. Others represent the heterogeneity of European and Oriental cultures.
Fate Day
National holidays in Georgia have their own unique appeal and poignancy. Let's get to know them. Bedoba, or Destiny Day, is celebrated on January 2nd. Each person always hopes for the best, dreams of a profitable job, of a loved one, of beautiful children, that is, that his life will turn out well. This is probably why Georgians revere Bedob so much. On this day, everything clean and beautiful, lovingly prepared the day before, is put on. Quarrels, swearing, disputes are considered a terrible sin. You can't even get sick. Well, if the sores have already caught up - seem cheerful, do not whine, do not groan. It is considered bad luck to be separated from your family. On this day, fun continues on the street, round dances, fireworks, music. But everyone is in a hurry to return to the house before dinner, so as not to be absent from the house for a whole year. Fate Day is spent at home with loved ones. By the way, many holidays in Georgia are connected with the family.
Tbilisoba
Tbilisoba is a celebration of trade fairs, wine tastings, folk festivals and street concerts. Dedicated to the city of Tbilisi, which is reflected in its name. On this day, vehicular traffic is blocked. Artists and singers come to concerts with their programs. At fairs selling farm products, the fruits of the harvest rise in huge mountains. Masters exhibit their handicrafts for the judgment of fellow citizens. The holiday has gone beyond the borders of the diaspora; it is celebrated in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia.
chiacocoba
Chiakokonoba is an ancient pagan holiday. Has an analogy with our Ivan Kupala. Celebrated on the Wednesday before Maundy Thursday. High fires are lit at night. Men, women, teenagers jump over the fire, undergoing a rite of purification.
Spring Festival
Navrus, or Spring Festival is an ethnic Muslim holiday. It is celebrated by Azerbaijanis and Adjarian Georgians. Symbolizes the beginning of a new life, is the most ancient holiday on Earth. Cheerful holiday with songs, dances. A feast with sweets is a must. No one knows how to cook pakhvala and shorgals like Georgian housewives. What about khoncha? Dried fruits and nuts beautifully laid in a braid are an unforgettable beauty and taste.
Mothers Day
Mother's Day is celebrated on March 3rd. Everyone's favorite day. Georgians are very good sons and daughters. On this day, the streets are full of flowers, women receive bouquets and gifts from their loved ones, from sons and friends. On this day, concerts on the streets gather crowds of people. The attitude towards mothers in Georgia is very respectful. Each Georgian honors his family, is proud of his origin, greatly appreciates family and kinship relations. Many close and distant relatives gather at the table on this day.
Giorgoba
Georgia is mainly an Orthodox country. Church holidays in Georgia glorify their national saints and universally recognized world ones. Many pilgrims from all over the world come to the country to bow to the associates of the Christian faith.
Giorgoba is the feast of St. George. All churches, all monasteries of the country celebrate this great day. Georgians revere this saint so much that the days of his glory have become public holidays and are declared non-working.
Mareamoba
Mareamoba - the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God - a surprisingly peaceful holiday, covered with sincere sadness. Georgians believe that their country is under the vigilant care of the Mother of God, so this holiday is especially revered by them.
Svetitskhovloba
Svetitskhovloba - the feast of the Chiton of the Lord and the Life-Giving Pillar. Every Orthodox Georgian with mother's milk absorbed the story of how two priests brought Jesus' tunic - the veil in which he was executed. A myrrh-streaming cedar grew at the burial place of the chiton. Suffering people came to him, hugged the tree, put their hands on it, and he brought them healing. The pillars for the church that was built there are made from a cedar trunk. On this day, believers are baptized, a huge number of people are present at the most beautiful church services.
Lamproba
Lamproba is the oldest holiday in Georgia. It is dedicated to George the Victorious. Born among the most beautiful places in Georgia - Sanctification, a place where the traditions of ancestors are still observed. The holiday is dedicated to victory over enemies. On this day, a mountain feast goes on in the houses, torches are lit according to the number of men who are there.
unity day
As in any self-respecting country, there are also public holidays in Georgia. The ninth of April is the Day of National Unity - this is the day when the country honors the memory of the soldiers who defended the freedom of their Motherland and died for this freedom in 1989, when the USSR sent its troops into the territory of Georgia.
Valentine's Day
Our country celebrates Valentine's Day, and Georgia has its own holiday - Valentine's Day. Its Georgian youth celebrates on the fifteenth of April. Flowers, gifts, hugs, kisses, declarations of love to the grave - everything, like all lovers.
Meeting of the New Year. Peculiarities
What other holiday is celebrated in Georgia? New Year. Separately, I would like to talk about unusual traditions during the New Year's Eve. In every house, along with a Christmas tree, so-called chichilaki appear before the holiday. These are wooden sticks decorated with thin shavings. Sweets, dried fruits, toys are broadcast on this product. After the holiday, chichilaki are burned so that all the bad things disappear along with the smoke. The New Year's table must not only be plentiful, it must squat under the weight of yummy. Preparation of products for the holiday begins two weeks before it. Counters of shops and markets represent a cornucopia. There is everything that you dream about and even “I don’t know what”. Then the next year will be as satisfying and full as this table.
Preparing for the New Year
Preparation for the celebration begins long before the New Year. Georgian housewives are very sensitive to the general cleaning of an apartment, house, yard, garden, workplace. Carpets are cleaned, feather beds, pillows and mattresses are dried, washed or replaced with new curtains, windows are washed, every centimeter of furniture and floor is wiped. The celebration of the New Year is held in accordance with the most ancient rituals, which the Georgians have carefully preserved to this day.
Rituals and rules for the New Year holidays
During the New Year holidays in Georgia, you can’t sleep at night so as not to oversleep your happiness. It is believed that if the doors are open on New Year's Eve, happiness walking through the streets will definitely look into the house and settle for the whole next year. A very beautiful ceremony. Many rituals are connected with bread. For the holiday, Georgians bake a white bun in the shape of a donut, which is hung on a vine. The ritual attracts wealth and health.
Many families set up a small table with sweets at night. It is placed in the middle of the room, and a candle is placed in each corner of the house. Exactly at midnight, the head of the family with this table in his hands goes around the house, attracting an angel to the family. He will bring happiness in the future and will protect the whole year of all those living in this house.
At 12 o'clock the head of the family goes out into the street and shoots. According to Georgian belief, one shot kills one evil spirit. Of course, fireworks are now being fired on New Year's Eve, but the tradition of killing an evil spirit is still alive. A very beautiful belief is associated with mekvle, the person who first appeared in the house on January 1st. If the next year for the owners will be hospitable and happy, then their mekvle has a pure and bright soul. Such a person becomes a welcome guest forever. And on January 1 next year, he is invited on purpose. Another tradition on January 1st. On this day, fun continues on the street, round dances, fireworks, music. But everyone is in a hurry to return to the house before dinner, so as not to be absent from it for a whole year.
Rtveli
And, of course, deserves attention in Georgia! Still, New Year is not a family holiday here, but undoubtedly Rtveli. This holiday is dedicated to the god Dionysus, and it has its roots in paganism. During the time of Christianity, the famous Greek orgies have sunk into oblivion. But people continue to sincerely rejoice at young wine and arrange grandiose feasts. The celebration is distinguished by a sincere desire to show all kinds of Georgian wine recipes.
cheese festival
In addition to holidays in Georgia, there are also festivals of various kinds. - a massive event. In 2015 it became an international festival. Cheese lovers come from all over the world. Guests can taste a huge number of Georgian and Caucasian types of product. During the festival, cheese makers demonstrate the ancient art of cheese making, braiding techniques. Here there are cheeses in butter, in honey with flowers. Therefore, you need to come to the festival hungry so that the tasting is complete.
grape harvest festival
The most famous Georgian festival is the Rtveli grape harvest. It takes place in the wine-growing center of Kakheti. The ritual of starting the celebration of the festival begins in the family. Grapes are placed in beautiful wicker baskets and earthenware jugs, then the festival of young wine in Georgia begins. Until late at night, music and songs do not stop. This event is one of the most beloved by Georgians.
folklore festival
Performers and songwriters are waiting for the annual folklore festival. National song and dance groups are preparing for the performance long before the holiday. The ethnic festival annually revives the traditions of the talented Georgian people. National clothes, fervent dances, melodious tunes of Georgian spiritual songs attract the younger generation and a huge number of tourists.
Kvirikoba
And what is the next holiday in Georgia in 2018? July 27-28 - Kvirikoba. Feast of the memory of the martyrs Kvirike and Ivlita. This is the only day when you can touch the Shalian icon.
New Year
New Year opens the series of holidays. The holiday, beloved all over the world, has acquired its national features and wonderful traditions in Georgia. Well, for example, such a main New Year's attribute as a Christmas tree.
In Georgia, in addition to the green coniferous beauty, each family decorates chichilaki.
Before the holiday on the streets they begin to sell wooden sticks entwined with snow-white shavings. These sticks are called "chichilaki". This is the so-called beard of St. Basil, the patron saint of animals. The sticks are made from a log chopped into thin shavings, as if a gray beard. They are decorated with dried fruits. And then, after the New Year holidays, they burn it. It is believed that everything bad that happened in the past year goes away with the ashes.
The New Year's table in Georgia should not only be beautifully and plentifully laid, but literally bursting with all kinds of dishes. Here you can find satsivi, juicy boiled pork, spicy marinades, melt-in-your-mouth khachapuri, several types of homemade cheese, and sweet churchkhella.
There are dishes in Georgia that no New Year's table can do without. This is a roasted pig, symbolically promising well-being, honey gozinaki (roasted nuts), so that life is as sweet as honey. And in general, the more sweets on the New Year's table, the sweeter the year will be.
At the head of the table, of course, is wonderful wine, which on this night simply flows like a river to the clink of glasses and eloquent toasts. And of course, what a feast without songs and dances. Georgian polyphony is the most culminating moment of the holiday. And it is not known yet who gets more pleasure from this: the listeners or the performers themselves, each selflessly deducing their own vocal part.
Exactly at midnight, multi-colored fireworks and salutes flash in the sky. Someone will say that this custom is quite modern, but among Georgians it has an ancient origin. It was believed that with each shot the shooter hits an evil spirit, and in the New Year, good will defeat evil.
There is another interesting New Year's custom. It is called "Mekvle" and is still popular in Georgian villages. "Mekvle" is the person who first crosses the threshold of the house in the new year. It can bring both happiness and unhappiness. The villagers already know about people with a “happy leg” and invite them to the house in advance, and they give the owners a basket of wine, sweets and boiled pork, wishing them happiness in the new year.
Easter, Christmas
These two biggest Christian holidays have been celebrated in Georgia since ancient times. Their offensive is always awaited with great desire and trepidation. Each believer associates them with new hopes and events. On Easter in Georgia, as in Russia, they bake Easter cakes, paint eggs, and bless them in the church. But Christmas in Georgia is celebrated with some peculiarities. On the eve of the night, a solemn service begins in all the churches of the country. In Tbilisi, it takes place in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, headed by the Catholicos-Patriarch. And after the service, the most interesting and spectacular begins: the Alilo festive procession.
Alilo is a Christmas carol that ends on the night before Christmas. It was the name of the chant that formed the basis of the tradition that arose in Georgia several centuries ago. This tradition has always been charitable in nature - at Christmas people went from house to house and collected donations, which were subsequently transferred to the poor. From year to year, for centuries, the Alilo tradition has been strictly observed in Georgia.
After the prayer service on Christmas night, the holiday moves from the churches to the streets. In Tbilisi, Alilo has a spectacular character. Alilo's festive procession in Tbilisi starts from Rose Square. Every year clerics, parishioners of various churches, ordinary citizens and passers-by take part in it. Baskets intended for collecting donations are carried by oxen on special wagons. The wagons slowly follow the road, and the people gradually fill the baskets.
Children walk in front of the procession, personifying the angels. Their heads are decorated with wreaths of beautiful flowers. They are followed by shepherds who symbolically point to those shepherds who announced the birth of Jesus Christ. Students dressed in white shrouds with hymns carry the icon of the Savior, crosses and flags. The procession is completed by a caravan of Magi and people singing Christmas songs. Passers-by join them along the way. Both adults and children become participants in the common joy.
Everything that is collected during the procession - sweets, toys and clothes - are transferred to children deprived of parental care and poor citizens. The festive procession of Alilo passes through the Baratashvili rise and Avlabari square and ends near the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. From the street the procession moves to the cathedral. Before the start of the festive prayer service, Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Ilya II addresses the flock and congratulates all believers on the feast of the Nativity of Christ.
And on Christmas night, candles are lit in every Georgian house. They are specially placed at the window so that the light can be seen by passers-by. This tradition is observed in memory of distant biblical events, when Joseph and Mary sought shelter for the birth of their son. Georgian Christmas has its own culinary traditions. For this holiday, the housewives bake kvertsi - delicious Christmas cakes.
Happy Georgian women have two wonderful women's holidays in March: Mother's Day and International Women's Day. The first holiday began to be celebrated in the country recently, since 1991. But for its short history, it has managed to fit firmly into the calendar of holidays.
On this spring day, the streets of the cities are literally buried in flowers. They are sold at every step, and demand still exceeds supply, because on this day there are no those who would not congratulate their beloved, dear, mothers, grandmothers, wives. The cult of the mother is sacred to Georgians. A huge statue was even built in Tbilisi, symbolizing Mother, Motherland, Georgia... On Mother's Day, a festive mood comes not only to every house, but also to every city. Tbilisi, for example, hosts many interesting festive events: concerts, shows, charity events, folk festivals…
Every woman dreams of celebrating March 8 in Georgia! It is well known that Georgians are gallant gentlemen and ladies' men. And on this day they try especially, giving their ladies compliments, flowers, gifts and, most importantly, such reverent attention that even the heart of the Snow Queen can melt. Speaking of queens. This honorary title on this day belongs to all women gathered at the festive table. Amazing Georgian wine sparkles in glasses, beautiful toasts are heard to the glory of female beauty, charm, wisdom ... Speeches are getting longer, and now they are turning into whole songs ... In a word, the holiday that Georgian men give to their women is a real fairy tale!
This holiday can be safely called a harbinger of Georgian independence. It was from the events of April 9 that the idea of the country's sovereignty began to grow stronger and acquire new forms of political struggle. On that tragic day, April 9, 1989, Soviet troops entered Georgia in order to suppress popular rallies demanding the restoration of Georgia's independence. As a result, 30 people died, more than 200 were injured.
On this day, the country remembers all those who fell in the struggle for the happiness and freedom of their native land. Civil funeral services are served in churches. In Tbilisi, flowers and lighted candles are carried to the memorial to those who died on April 9.
No wonder that loving Georgians have two love holidays in their calendar.
Georgians came up with their own alternative to the internationally recognized Valentine's Day a few years ago. The youth supported this idea, and now April 15 is the favorite holiday of all young happy couples in love. On this day, they give each other flowers and gifts, arrange surprises and romantic evenings. In Tbilisi, concerts (only love songs), romantic shows and competitions are timed to coincide with this beautiful day ...
Easter
The Feast of the Resurrection of Christ has always been celebrated in Georgia with special solemnity. Preparations for Easter began, as elsewhere, after the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem.
Christians of Georgia spend Good Friday in fasting and prayers, attending all statutory services with their families. In some regions of the country, the tradition of "cleansing by fire" is still preserved. On Great Wednesday evening, they light a large fire and jump over it, perceiving this as a symbol of purification. On this day, everyone tries to confess in order to take communion on Maundy Thursday. Maundy Thursday is especially recognized by the people as the day of the establishment of the Eucharist.
Orthodox Georgians deeply experience Good Friday as the most mournful and important day of the year. On this day, they not only do not eat, but also do not work, they spend the whole day in church. At the end of the rite of burial of the Holy Shroud, returning home in the evening, they begin to prepare for the feast.
On Great Saturday early in the morning, the Shroud is carried around the church, after which it is placed in the center of the temple. On Great Saturday, believers must observe a strict fast; those preparing for communion at the Easter service should not eat after 6 p.m.
On Holy Saturday night, after 12 noon, a litany is performed. Parishioners congratulate each other with the phrase “Christeagdga!”, To which they answer “Cheshmaritadagdga!”
Every year on May 9, Georgia celebrates another date of victory over fascism. In Tbilisi, celebrations are held in Vake Park at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On this day, from the very morning, a brass band plays in the park, couples are circling around the summer stage, everything around is in flowers ... As if nothing has changed since that memorable spring of 1945 ... Only the veterans are no longer young strong men, but gray-haired old men. From early morning, the stream of those wishing to lay flowers at the foot of the memorials and the Eternal Flame does not dry out, to personally congratulate the veterans with a bouquet of flowers. This holiday is dedicated to them, the heroes of the war, today the warmest words, congratulations and wishes are heard for them, concerts, solemn banquets are held.
Let's look into the annals of Georgian history, at a time when the fair and wise Queen Tamar ruled Georgia. The reign of Tamar fell at the turn of the XII-XIII centuries. This time became the "golden age" of Georgia, the flowering of enlightenment, peace, and spirituality.
The queen was able to unite the mountaineers of other faiths under her command, reconcile the church with the state, built hundreds of temples and monasteries, libraries, patronized poets, scientists and ordinary people. The Georgian people, like many centuries ago, worship and glorify Queen Tamar.
Today this day is a big national holiday. The main celebrations are held in Tbilisi and Akhaltsikhe, where a monument to the crowned lady is erected.
Georgia became an independent state on March 31, 1991. It was on this day that the country's sovereignty was declared during a nationwide referendum. Nevertheless, Georgia marks the anniversary of Independence on May 26, the day when Georgia first became a free state. It happened in 1918. By that time, Georgia had been under the rule of the Russian Empire for almost a century. The new republic lasted only 3 years, after which it became part of the USSR. Thus, on March 31, historical justice was only confirmed, and May 26 remained the main date of release.
The main state holiday in Georgia is celebrated on a grand scale. By tradition, a solemn military parade and a grandiose festive concert take place on this day. The military parade passes along the main street of Tbilisi - Rustaveli Avenue. Columns of military men pass along the main artery of the ancient city in a slender step: thousands of servicemen of all types of troops. They are followed by more than 100 pieces of military equipment. And dozens of aircraft draw intricate patterns in the sky.
No less spectacular is another event, according to tradition, taking place on this day. This is the famous flower festival "Vardobistve". These days, the famous Peace Bridge turns into a colorful rainbow of flowers.
Also, celebrations are held in the Vake park of the capital, where veterans gather. There is an action in memory of those who gave their lives in the name of the Independence of the country.
Children's events and holidays are held in parks, and sports matches and competitions are held in stadiums.
The crown of all festive events is a grandiose concert in the historical part of the city - Rica.
flower festival
It also has a second, no less beautiful name - “Pink month in Tbilisi”. The celebration of the festival falls on the Independence Day of the country. Zion Square and Shardani Street of the capital are being turned into an open-air greenhouse. Here you can admire a huge number of flowers, and among this splendor there are also very rare species. Gardeners put on display pink, yellow, red, blue fuchsias, petunias, roses, etc. In addition to flowers at the festival, you can appreciate the beauty of decorative pines and Christmas trees.
Ninooba - this is the name in Georgian of a great church holiday dedicated to the day (June 1) of the arrival in Georgia of St. Nino, who converted Georgians to the Christian faith.
This happened at the beginning of the 4th century. Saint Nino was from the Roman province of Cappadocia. Early adopting Christianity, she went with her parents to Jerusalem to serve the Lord. There she learned the legend about the chiton of the Lord and began to pray for its acquisition. According to legend, the Mother of God, having listened to the prayers of the girl, showed her the way to the Iberian Valley, so that she would carry the teachings of Christ to the new pagan lands and gave her a cross from a vine.
The relics of St. Nino are in the Bodbe Monastery in Kakheti. On the day of her coming, crowds of pilgrims come here, and in Tbilisi, a festive divine service is solemnly held in the Sioni Cathedral. The greatest shrine is also kept here - a cross made of grapevine, with which Nino baptized Georgia. Also, every year at this time, believers arrange a pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Nino, passing along the route Mtskheta - Bodbe.
If the Day of Love in Georgia is celebrated only by couples in love, then the Day of Spiritual Love is a universal holiday, because God loves us all! And so that people remember this at least once a year (and ideally as often as possible), this bright holiday was established. It was celebrated in Georgia from time immemorial, but during the years of total atheism it was forgotten. And it was revived only in the years of independence, thanks to the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. In Georgian, the holiday is also called Gergetoba. It is celebrated on a special scale in the town of Gergeti.
Rtveli
Any traveler, no matter what country they are in, seeks to see it from the inside: national characteristics, the identity of the ethnic group, the life and customs of the common people. Only then will his journey be complete, and his impressions complete and vivid.
In order to understand and see Georgia, it is enough to visit only one holiday - Rtveli. This is the time of the grape harvest, a holiday for which the whole family gathers. And it does not matter that the children have already grown up and have flown away from their father's house. Everyone comes to rtveli. This is the law of the family, and the family for Georgians is sacred. It's really impossible to imagine how grapes are harvested by a small group of three people.
Rtveli is noise, laughter, songs, dances, jokes. Here are the men returning from the vineyards in a large crowd. In their hands are huge wicker baskets full of ripe amber clusters. Now the sacred ceremony will begin - the grapes will be crushed in large vats. Women at this time conjure over the hearth: on the fire is a vat with a traditional treat - a Tatar. This is grape juice boiled down with flour. From this sweet mass, women make the famous churchkhela - a favorite delicacy of Georgian children - walnut kernels in grape caramel. Incredibly delicious! The table that Georgian housewives set for rtveli cannot be covered even by a fabulous self-assembly tablecloth. All Georgian delicacies are collected here at once: fragrant shish kebab, juicy khinkali, spicy satsivi, tender lobio and khachapuri, and what an abundance of greens, fresh vegetables and fruits! Young wine flows like a river. The first toast is raised by the head of the family: "For the native land"!
Until the evening, beautiful speeches and sonorous songs do not stop. And it’s so good in the soul from the fact that tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, work will be in full swing, and then the household and numerous guests will again gather at the festive table, who are always welcome here!
A big - if not great - spiritual holiday is celebrated by Georgians on October 14th. It is based on a real miracle: the acquisition by Georgia of the greatest shrine, the tunic of the Lord, thanks to which the main temple of Georgia, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, was built.
Any Georgian knows the legend of how two Jewish priests brought Jesus' tunic, in which he was executed, to Georgia back in the 1st century. Everyone also knows that a sacred cedar grew at the burial place of the chiton, which later became myrrh-streaming and brought people healing from all ailments. People called the cedar the Life-Giving Pillar (Svetitskhoveli).
At the beginning of the 4th century, the first king of Georgia - Mirian - decided to build a church in its place. But the trunk could not budge. Only St. Nino was able to beg the blessing of the Lord. An invisible force lifted the trunk into the air and lowered it in the place where a wooden church soon grew. The pillars for the first church were carved from the same cedar.
In the 11th century, the dilapidated church was replaced by the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which today is located in the historic city of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. And the main celebrations of the Svetitskhovlob holiday, of course, take place here on the ancient land of Iberia. A solemn service led by the Patriarch of All Georgia begins early in the morning in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The majestic and dazzling surroundings of the cathedral, the clergy dressed in gilded robes, the sacrament of rites - this spectacle is as beautiful as it is sacred, believers come to it not only from all over Georgia, but from all over the world.
After the festive service, a mass baptism of people is held at the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, which has become a traditional part of the Svetitskhovloba holiday. On this day, believers also visit the holy places of Mtskheta: the ancient Jvari monastery and ancient temples.
St. George the Victorious, sitting on a horse and striking a serpent with a spear, is the most beloved and revered Christian saint in Georgia. According to an ancient legend, St. Nino herself bequeathed to the Georgians to honor the memory of her beloved brother, who converted Georgia to the Christian faith.
The history of St. George dates back to the beginning of our era, to the dawn of Christianity. George served as a commander under the Roman emperor Diocletian and became an intercessor for all Christians who were subjected to violence and persecution. For this, he himself was subjected to terrible tortures: the unfortunate man was betrayed on the wheel, when, while rotating, the wheel sets in motion many knives and a lance that dig into the body of the victim. The Christian Church canonized George as a great martyr and saint. And for Georgia, he became a patron and protector, and the day of his wheeling - November 23 - is a big church holiday in Georgia.
On this day, bells ring in all churches. Believers pray to St. George for well-being, peace and health. In Tbilisi, in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, a solemn liturgy is performed. November 23 is a public holiday in Georgia. Georgians have a rest, devoting leisure time to themselves, their family, friends and relatives. On this day, a wonderful festive table is laid, toasts flow like a river, traditional Georgian polyphony sounds.