Georgia celebrates Independence Day

National flag of Georgia
(Image: Vesti Kavkaza)

Today, on 26 May, Georgia, one of the best countries I’ve visited, celebrates its Independence Day.

This holiday has a long history and tradition and is marked by great military parades, speeches of politicians and influential figures and great festivities all over the country, with the stunning festivals and various events, offered for Georgians and guests of this beautiful Caucasian country.

When we talk about such an important holiday we should definitely talks about its history and background.

Georgia’s Independence Day is an annual state holiday in Georgia that commemorates adoption of Act of Independence of Georgian Republic, signed on 26 May 1918. This document established Georgian Democratic Republic, in the aftermath of Russian Revolution of 1917.

Massive celebrations in Tbilisi
(Image: Live leaks)

Later, in 1921, Georgia fell under control of Soviet Union and turned into Georgian Soviet Republic, so this holiday was eliminated, though after the fall of USSR in 1991 and declaration of Georgian Independence government of Georgian President Zviad Gamsakhurdia declared this day Georgian national holiday.

Huge and impressive military parades were usually organized to commemorate the Independence Day, though this holiday turned into civilian observance during the rule of Eduard Shevarnadze. Mikheil Saakashvili restored tradition of military parades in 2004, when the greatest and the most spectacular military parade were held in the streets of Tbilisi.

This year Georgia marked its Independence Day without holding traditional military parade, but some military components were still presented in the streets of Georgian cities, including military equipment, tanks, weapons etc., shown in Tbilisi and some other Georgian cities.

Airplanes show with the colors of Georgian national flag
(Image: Civil Georgia)

26 May 2015 was marked with huge festivities and great events with different outdoors activities held in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and other Georgian cities. Major public celebration was held in the capital, Tbilisi, and 12 other self-governing cities. Georgian authorities and official persons, artists, intellectuals, public and influential figures joined the festivities and celebrations. Everybody is invited to join this celebration.

All governmental agencies and Georgian ministries presented their offices to people in small halls located along the Rustaveli Ave, Central Street of Tbilisi. These offices offered people their services. For example, Ministry of Finance offered the people to show their creativity and to create the state’s budget on their own.

Tbilisi though prepared a great surprise to its inhabitants and guests of this amazing city, as in the heat of May the streets of the city were covered with the snow, bringing lots of joy and happiness to the people, especially kids. Artificial snow machines were installed on the Rustaveli Avenue in order to create this spectacular show. After the main celebrations in Tbilisi these snow machines will be transported to Bakuriani and Gudauri, Georgia’s most famous ski resorts.

Celebration of Georgian Independence Day in Lithuania
(Image: Delfi)

Celebrations were resumed with the great gala-concert and impressive fireworks in front of the Parliament Building in the center of Tbilisi.

Artists, singers, dancers and different bands entertained people during the whole day in the streets of Tbilisi and other cities as well, so, the holiday was marked with the unique and amazing Georgian music. And of course, it is impossible to imagine Georgian holiday and celebration without Georgian hospitality and extremely tasty local food and wine. There were no exceptions this year as well.

So, it was definitely worth visiting Georgia today! And – Happy Independence Day to this beautiful warm and sunny country!