Holidays in Georgia

On this page, you will find information about all the public holidays in Georgia. Georgia is a secular state, but major Orthodox holidays are also state holidays. Many holidays, such as Easter, do not have a specific date, so Easter is celebrated on different days every year. The text provides the dates for 2023.

The main streets of major cities usually have Christmas markets where local craftsmen sell their products. The symbol of the New Year in Georgia is Chichilaki – a homemade Christmas tree made of wood shavings. It is usually decorated with dried fruits and burned after the New Year to leave all the troubles in the past year. There are also many fireworks launched in Georgia on New Year's Eve. The sounds of explosions do not stop for 20-30 minutes. On the one hand, this is a beautiful ancient tradition: Georgians believe that fireworks drive away evil spirits. On the other hand, many people neglect safety, so the sirens of ambulances and firefighters do not stop on New Year's Day either.

The name of the holiday comes from the Georgian word "bedi (ბედი)", which means "fate" in translation. It is believed that the way you spend this day will determine your whole year. Therefore, on Bedoba, Georgians try not to quarrel with anyone, not to lend money, not to think about negative things, and not to work if possible.

This holiday is considered one of the most significant church holidays in Georgia. Traditionally, religious ceremonies, singing of spiritual hymns and water consecration take place in churches on this day. On Christmas, Georgian families prepare various dishes and treat their guests.

In addition, on this day, Georgian families also decorate their homes, dress up Christmas trees, and exchange greetings and gifts.

Another important church holiday. In Georgia, it is called "Natlisgeba (ნათლისღება)". On this day, godparents congratulate their godchildren, and great water consecration takes place in all churches in Georgia. Epiphany is also accompanied by many traditional rituals and customs. For example, in some regions of Georgia, young people bathe naked in rivers or lakes on this day. This ritual is considered a symbol of purification from sins and the beginning of a new life.

This day was declared a national holiday in 1991 as a replacement for the "communist" International Women's Day. Traditionally on this day, Georgians congratulate their wives, mothers, and grandmothers and give them flowers. Many families gather together and have festive dinners to celebrate this day. Also, on this day, many people visit the graves of their mothers and lay flowers and candles.

The celebration of this day was canceled in 1991 when Mother's Day was established as a national holiday. But in 2002, the parliament decided to make this holiday a non-working day again. Thus, in Georgia, there are two March holidays dedicated to women. On this day, men give women flowers and gifts. However, many women prefer to spend the day with their friends. In recent years, feminist rallies and events are held in major cities to remind people of the origins of this holiday.

One of the Independence Day holidays in Georgia. The history of independent Georgia began on April 9, 1989: on this day, Soviet troops were introduced into Georgia to suppress the uprising for the proclamation of the country's independence. Usually, on this day, civil memorial services are held in churches, and in Tbilisi, flowers and lit candles are placed at the memorial on Heroes Square.

Date for 2023. The date changes annually.

This is the penultimate day of Lent and the first of the four days of Easter holiday in Georgia. In Georgia, religious services are held in churches and cathedrals throughout the country on this day. There is usually no singing or joyful melodies at the service on Good Friday, and the churches are decorated with thorn branches and black fabrics, and parishioners come to church in black clothing.

Date for 2023. Date changes annually

This is the last day of Lent and the main day of preparation for Easter. On this day, preparations for Easter cakes, sweet bread, and painted eggs are completed. Traditionally, eggs are dyed red, and cakes are almost not decorated. Church services are held, which have both a mournful and joyful character, as Great Saturday completes Holy Week and marks the beginning of Easter.

Date for 2023. Date changes annually

Easter, in Georgian "Ahdgoma (აღდგომა)," is one of the most important religious holidays in Georgia. On Easter morning, parishioners gather in churches to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to tradition, during the service, the priest brings eggs that were boiled in colored solutions into the church and distributes them among the parishioners. Believers break eggs with each other, wishing health and prosperity to their loved ones and friends.

Date for 2023. Date changes annually

This is the last day of Easter holidays in Georgia. On this day, it is customary to visit cemeteries and bring Easter food to graves. This is a warm day filled with gratitude and pride for deceased ancestors.

In Georgia, there are no parades or exhibitions of military equipment on this day, as the victory in World War II was very difficult for Georgia. Celebrations usually take place in parks and at the grave of an unknown soldier.

Andrew the First-Called is considered the first Christian enlightener in Georgia.

Despite Georgia gaining independence on March 31, 1991, Independence Day is celebrated on May 26. This is because on this day in 1918, Georgia became a free state, albeit briefly. Three years later, in 1921, Soviet troops occupied Georgia and a long Soviet occupation began.

In Georgia, this holiday is called "Mariamoba (მარიამობა)", as St. Mary is called Mariam (Mariami) in Georgia. St. Mary is considered the patron and protector of Georgia. On this day, solemn liturgies are held in churches, and after the service, Georgians prefer to celebrate this holiday with their families.

This holiday became an official holiday after the restoration of Georgia's independence in 1991. Traditionally, it is celebrated in Mtskheta, where the shrine, Chiton of the Lord, is located, in honor of which the holiday is named. The shrine is located in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which was built specifically for it. In honor of the holiday, a festive service is held in the cathedral early in the morning, led by the Patriarch of All Georgia.

St. George is one of the most revered saints in Georgia and is considered the patron saint of the country. On this day, religious ceremonies and prayers are held in churches throughout Georgia in honor of St. George. Churches are decorated with flowers, and candles are lit on the altars. People come to churches to pray and honor the memory of St. George.