Tbilisi will soon be aglow with its traditional sparkle as the holiday season approaches.
Due to the Orthodox faith and the Julian calendar, Georgians do not celebrate Christmas on December 25, as the rest of the globe does. Instead, they celebrate it 13 days later, on January 7. New Year’s Eve is the biggest celebration, even though Christmas continues to be highly celebrated. Tbilisi decorates the central Rustaveli Avenue each year with a different theme. The solar system, angels, and famous world landmarks have all been themes in the past. We are eager to find out what will be this year’s theme.
This year’s celebrations are scheduled for the following dates:
Tbilisi’s street lighting and Christmas tree ceremony takes place on December 15, 8pm.
December 31: New Years Eve celebrations in the city.
January 1: New Year’s Day, also known as Mekvleloba (public holiday).
January 2: New Year’s Day 2 in Bedoba (public holiday).
Christmas Day for Orthodox (public holiday) is celebrated on January 7.
January 14th is New Year’s Day in the Orthodox calendar.
19 January: Orthodox Epiphany.
The first celebration of the holiday season is on December 9th at 8pm. This is when the city’s light displays are turned on, and the annual tree-lighting ceremony takes place on Rustaveli Avenue in front of Parliament. The lights have already begun to appear in the main streets of various districts, giving a preview to the upcoming holiday spirit. The largest light displays will be along the main avenues of Vake and Saburtalo, Chavchavadze, Atoneli, and Kostava, as well as on Freedom and Orbeliani Squares, Rustaveli, Atoneli, and Kostava Streets.
The Christmas markets will start around mid-December, and continue until mid-January. The Christmas Village at Orbeliani Square, from December 22 to January 14, will feature a variety of food and vendor stands. There will be live music, performances and a mini-ice-skating area for children.
The Agrarian market will take place at Dedaena Park over the weekend of 16-17 December from 1pm-7pm. A month-long market will also be set up near Parliament. The Tbilisi City Hall organizes each of these three markets, which will feature food, mulled wines, souvenirs, handmade gifts by local artisans, and bright, flashing toy for children.
There’s more to come! The Fabrika Christmas Fair will be held from December 23-24, in the Fabrika courtyard. The Winter Fair 2023 will be a one-day tradition on December 9, from 10am to 18pm at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace. Winter Fair entry costs 1 GEL, and proceeds from the event will go to charity projects that help Georgians in need. There will be a variety local products and artists selling their wares. You can also buy country-specific items from representatives of the various embassies in Georgia. Get a hat with a British flag, a Swiss Knife, Turkish Delight or a Japanese Teapot, among many other thoughtfully selected treats by the embassy staff for charity. While you shop, you can enjoy Christmas carols and a variety of activities for the kids.
You’re away from home, but still want to treat yourself to a special Christmas dinner? There will be many Christmas dinners in the city. Be sure to book ahead to ensure your place at the table.
Tbilisi does not have a New Year’s fireworks show that everyone can watch. (Or any safety laws whatsoever in this regard!) People buy and set off fireworks from their balconies. It’s best to stake out a high spot in the city and enjoy the view.
First Republic Square, in front of Rustaveli metro station, will host a large New Year’s celebration. There will be vendors and live music. The Ambassadori Tbilisi Hotel will host events, as well as Radisson Blu Iveria and Hualing. Bars and clubs such as Fabrika and Bassiani, will be open for the New Year.
New Year’s Day or Mekvleloba is the next observed holiday. Georgians believe that the first person who enters the home at the beginning of the new year will determine their fate for the coming year. On January 1, Georgians visit or welcome loved ones into their home and exchange candy to symbolize happiness and prosperity.
Bedoba is the name of the second day of January. This is the day to do something that will determine the rest the year. This holiday is often used as a day of self-care. Many people spend it with their family and friends, eating good food and drinking alcohol or just enjoying the moment.
The Georgian Patriarch will lead a midnight service at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on January 6, the night before Orthodox Christmas Day. In almost all churches in the country, there will be other masses. The masses continue until the early morning of January 7, when people return home to “break the fast” literally with their families.
The last holiday that will have an event is the 7th of January when the religious Alilo Parade takes place in cities all over Georgia. People can either participate or watch as boys and men dressed in white, gold and red march through town with icons and crosses. In Tbilisi it will begin at the First Square Republic at around 1pm, continue through the Old City and end at the Sameba Cathedral at Avlabari.
Orthodox Epiphany and Orthodox New Year will also be celebrated, but the celebrations will not be as extravagant. You’ll still get to enjoy some fireworks from above and have a chance to relax with friends and eat and drink. On the eve before Epiphany, on January 18, some Georgians combine an old pagan custom with their Christianity by burning their wooden Christmas trees (chichilaki). This is to cleanse and let go of bad spirits from the previous year.
The holidays in Georgia are a month long celebration that includes lots of wine, food, shopping, Christmas music and as much fun as you can have with your family and friends. Enjoy!
By Shelbi R. Ankiewicz
Read More @ georgiatoday.ge