Public Holidays in Georgia

Holidays hold a special place in the heart of Georgian culture, celebrated with immense joy and festivity. Families and friends come together for grand feasts known as supra, which are presided over by a tamada, or toastmaster. Secular holidays are marked by fireworks, parades, and inspiring speeches, while religious events feature colorful processions and large-scale masses. In Georgia, modern customs intertwine beautifully with ancient rituals, preserved through generations. Some holidays are celebrated nationwide, while others have regional significance. Join us as we explore the most important public holidays in Georgia.

The annual cycle of public holidays in Georgia begins and concludes with the New Year, a cherished family festival spent in the company of relatives and close friends. Although Georgians, as members of the Orthodox Church, celebrate Christmas in January rather than December, they have embraced some Western traditions in their New Year festivities. A notable example is the Christmas tree, which adorns Georgian homes throughout the holiday season, symbolizing warmth and togetherness.

On January 7, Georgians honor the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar. Christmas Eve is a special occasion when every church holds a festive liturgy. The most prestigious mass takes place at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, led by the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the Catholicos-Patriarch. This solemn celebration brings communities together in reverence and joy.

Mother’s Day in Georgia, established in 1991 at the initiative of the country’s first President, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, celebrates the vital role of mothers in society. This relatively recent public holiday quickly gained popularity and has been observed with great enthusiasm ever since. Children and spouses express their love and gratitude by giving flowers and small gifts to their mothers and partners. Additionally, numerous concerts, exhibitions, and charitable events take place to honor this special day.

International Women’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated public holidays in Georgia. The inaugural Women’s Day was organized in 1909 in New York by the Socialist Party of America. Following the granting of voting rights to women in Soviet Russia in 1917, the event was declared a national holiday. By the late 1960s, International Women’s Day gained traction within the Western feminist movement, and it was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977.

Easter stands as one of the most significant national holidays in Georgia, commemorating the core of the Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This sacred occasion is celebrated on a grand scale across the nation. A 40-day religious fast precedes Holy Week, culminating in Easter Sunday. Throughout this week, the last days of Jesus’ life are remembered, with every functioning church in Georgia holding special liturgies dedicated to each day of Holy Week. The most important days, known as the Easter Triduum, include Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

Among the national holidays, the Day of National Unity in Georgia is perhaps the most somber. It commemorates the tragic deaths of 21 civilians who lost their lives on April 9, 1989, during a peaceful anti-Soviet demonstration. The Tbilisi Massacre, also referred to as the April 9 tragedy, occurred when Red Army soldiers attempted to disperse thousands of protestors gathered in front of the Government House on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle for freedom and unity.

Every year on May 9, Georgia pays tribute to the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945. The surrender document was signed in Berlin late at night on May 8, 1945. Due to the time difference, it was already May 9 in Moscow, leading to the celebration of Victory Day across the Soviet Union on this date. While some countries now observe the holiday on May 8, Georgia has steadfastly retained the original date, honoring the sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in history.

Saint Andrew, the brother of Saint Peter and the first Apostle called by Jesus, is a significant figure in Georgian Christianity. The Orthodox Church of Georgia venerates Saint Andrew as the first preacher of Christianity in the region, thereby establishing the foundation of the Georgian church. His memory is celebrated twice a year, on May 12 and December 13, with the former being a national holiday. On this day, special liturgies are held in churches across the country to honor Saint Andrew’s legacy and contributions to the faith.

Independence Day marks a pivotal moment in Georgian history, commemorating the proclamation of independence in 1918 that established the Democratic Republic of Georgia. This important date on the Georgian calendar is celebrated with a spirited display of national pride, featuring military parades, cultural exhibitions, educational events, and vibrant fireworks. The day is not only an occasion for grand speeches and patriotic fervor but also serves as a platform for promoting local artisans and intellectual ideas. Vendors showcase handmade crafts, while public and private institutions open their doors to welcome visitors, allowing them to explore the rich tapestry of Georgian culture. Throughout the day, concerts and exhibitions enliven every major city, creating a festive atmosphere dedicated to honoring the history and cultural heritage of Georgia.

Mariamoba, or St. Mary’s Day, is a significant religious holiday that commemorates the dormition of the Virgin Mary, marking her ascension into heaven after death. Churches across Georgia hold special services attended by thousands of devoted worshippers, with the largest and most prominent ceremony taking place in Tbilisi, led by the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. The holiday is preceded by a two-week fasting period during which many Georgians abstain from meat (including fish), dairy products, and eggs. This period of reflection and spiritual preparation culminates on Mariamoba, where families and communities gather to celebrate with large feasts, sharing traditional dishes and fostering a sense of unity and gratitude.

Svetitskhovloba, celebrated in the historic town of Mtskheta—one of Georgia’s oldest cities and its former capital—honors the iconic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the cultural heritage of Mtskheta itself. According to legend, the cathedral is built on the site selected by Saint Nino, a pivotal figure in Georgian Christianity who preached in the 4th century. The original structure was destroyed during one of the many wars that beset the region, and the current Svetitskhoveli was constructed in the first half of the 11th century by the architect Arsukidze, commissioned by Melchizedek I, the first Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. This festival not only celebrates the architectural marvel of the cathedral but also highlights Mtskheta’s role in Georgia’s spiritual and cultural history.

Giorgoba is a revered public holiday in Georgia dedicated to the veneration of Saint George, the patron saint of the nation. This day commemorates the martyrdom of George, a Greek soldier from Cappadocia who served as a guard for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. His steadfast Christian faith led to his execution, making him one of the most honored saints in Christianity. Saint George is often associated with knighthood, valor, and military prowess, famously depicted in Christian iconography as he battles a dragon that demanded human sacrifices. His legacy resonates deeply within Georgian culture, symbolizing courage, faith, and the enduring spirit of the Georgian people.

Giorgoba is a revered public holiday in Georgia dedicated to the veneration of Saint George, the patron saint of the nation. This day commemorates the martyrdom of George, a Greek soldier from Cappadocia who served as a guard for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. His steadfast Christian faith led to his execution, making him one of the most honored saints in Christianity. Saint George is often associated with knighthood, valor, and military prowess, famously depicted in Christian iconography as he battles a dragon that demanded human sacrifices. His legacy resonates deeply within Georgian culture, symbolizing courage, faith, and the enduring spirit of the Georgian people.