Festivals of Adjara

Adjara is rightfully regarded as the most vibrant, entertaining, and cosmopolitan region of Georgia. Throughout the year, this lively area hosts exhibitions, premieres, gala events, and celebrates folk holidays alongside ancient traditions. Adjara honors both the customs of its ancestors and contemporary festivities from the Western world. Here, you will find religious observances, military commemorations, and significant political anniversaries. The peak of celebrations typically occurs from May through late autumn.

In winter, Adjara beckons with its mild subtropical climate and the charmingly decorated city of Batumi. The New Year, Christmas, and winter holidays can be delightfully spent at coastal resorts, where your leisure and entertainment are carefully planned in advance. Celebrate the joyous Easter in one of Adjara’s beautiful churches, and don’t miss the Batumoba festival, which takes place in the heart of Batumi.

This spring festival is dedicated to the celebration of the city’s Day. Expect lively fairs, dancing, music, theatrical performances, and, of course, a wide array of delicious treats. Be sure to catch performances by the Gandagana dance troupe, which showcases the region’s principal dance and participates in all of Georgia’s dance competitions.

The Batumoba Spring Festival heralds the onset of the high tourist season along the coast, just as the Kobuleti Summer Festival does. The Kobuleti Festival spans two days and features summer sports activities, kite flying, fireworks, food courts, and musical concerts.

The Batumi Summer Festival takes place in June, coinciding with the opening of the beach season at the resort. Music and art lovers can look forward to the Batumi Black Sea Music and Art Festival, scheduled for mid-summer.

The Kolkhoba Festival occurs in Sarpi and at the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress along the Black Sea coast. Its aim is to preserve the historical heritage and folklore of ancient Colchis. The program includes theatrical performances that delve into the region’s ancient history, myths about Jason and the Golden Fleece, and the era of the Argonauts. This festival is held in October and November.

In late autumn, the Kedeloba festival takes place in the Keda municipality, celebrating local traditions. In addition to unique folklore and ethnographic displays, visitors can sample the indigenous wines of the Keda region. Interestingly, the harvest festivals are among the most popular autumn activities, allowing you to assist winemakers in grape picking and, of course, to taste the local wines.

Also in autumn, don’t miss the Machahloba festival in the Machakhela Gorge. Here, you can explore the region’s ethnography, meet local artisans and craftsmen, and enjoy sporting competitions and folk performances. Be sure to check out the exhibition of legendary Machakhela rifles and, naturally, the food courts featuring all the delicious specialties of Adjara.

Visitors to Batumi should also stop by the rural tourism festival, Gandagana. This event beautifully captures the essence of rural mountainous Adjara, offering a chance to appreciate the culture, traditions, and gastronomy of various municipalities in just one day. The program features folk shows, Georgian songs, and dances, while photographers will delight in the vibrant autumn installations perfect for capturing stunning photos.

The winter cultural program includes snowy festivals at the Goderdzi resort. The festival grounds are impressively decorated for the season, offering guests mulled wine, hot cocoa, photo installations, sporting competitions, dance floors, fireworks, and even snowball fights. The Goderdzi ski resort promises that guests will neither freeze nor feel bored!