In recent years, Georgia has become a sought-after destination, attracting travelers from all corners of the world who are eager to explore its undiscovered charms. The country boasts a constant stream of special events, ranging from cultural festivals and culinary gatherings to religious observances. Most of these Georgia festivals don’t have fixed dates; they’re typically confirmed only a few weeks, or sometimes even a few days, in advance. This unpredictability is especially true for seasonal events like the Rtveli wine harvest, which is heavily influenced by the weather and can be challenging to anticipate. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular festivals in Georgia. If your visit aligns with one of these events, make sure not to miss the chance to participate!
1. Batumoba
Batumoba stands as Batumi‘s most significant festival, and it’s celebrated with a vibrant blend of maritime history, cultural displays, and a bustling atmosphere. What truly characterizes Batumoba are its captivating parades winding their way through the city streets. Participants, adorned in traditional attire, stunning costumes, and masks, joyfully march and dance while local musicians fill the air with the rich melodies of Georgian music. The entire city dresses up for this occasion, and a variety of captivating events, including pantomimes, finger theater shows, and ballroom dancing, captivate and amuse the festival goers. But it’s not just the entertainment; Batumi’s culinary scene shines during this Georgia festival. Countless food stalls and restaurants serve up mouthwatering traditional Georgian dishes and local specialties, making it a delightful culinary experience.
2. Tbilisoba
Tbilisoba stands as the most renowned and grandest festival in Georgia, a yearly October gathering that unites both Tbilisi’s residents and its visitors in a vibrant celebration of the city’s unique culture. This festival pays homage to the founding of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, and offers a diverse tapestry of cultural experiences, including music, dance, crafts, and delectable cuisine. Throughout this Georgia festival, the city transforms into a lively hub of joy, enthusiasm, and cultural richness. The festivities mainly unfold in the city center, particularly in Rica Park, Gorgasali Square, and other parks, extending over several days.
One captivating facet of Tbilisoba is the grape-crushing tradition, where anyone can join in. In the main square, a massive vat brimming with grapes awaits participants, allowing you to experience the role of a real winemaker. Another equally enticing event is the food festival, which offers a delightful array of barbecue and other delectable treats. Naturally, no Georgian festival would be complete without the presence of the world-famous Georgian wines. If you have the opportunity to attend Tbilisoba, you’re in for an unforgettable experience filled with a fantastic atmosphere, cherished memories, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Also if you’re considering a trip to Tbilisi, be sure to check out our articles on the “best restaurants in Tbilisi” and the top “Tbilisi cafes.”
3. Rtveli
Autumn in Georgia holds a special charm, particularly in September when the annual grape harvest kicks off. Among the many Georgia festivals during this season, one of the most significant is dedicated to celebrating this grape harvest, and it’s a delightful mix of fun, music, delicious food, and, of course, outstanding wine. With an impressive history of winemaking spanning 8000 years, grape harvesting holds a cherished place in Georgian wine culture, bringing together locals to revel in the joys of a bountiful harvest. While this festival is very much a family affair, the warm-hearted locals extend a gracious invitation to visitors, encouraging them to be a part of the festivities. You can have a blast assisting in activities like cutting grape bunches, transferring them to traditional clay pots for wine-making, and, to cap it off, savoring a delectable feast featuring barbecue, khachapuri, local cheeses, and freshly baked bread.
4. Cheese Festival
Every year, Georgia hosts a Cheese Festival where people who love cheese come together from all over the world. The main idea of the festival is to let visitors try different kinds of cheese from different parts of the region. In 2015, it became an international event because Armenia and Azerbaijan joined in, so there were even more types of cheese to enjoy. This Georgia festival used to happen in the capital city, Tbilisi, but now they move it to different parts of the country that win the chance to host it. Normally, it’s in June, but in 2020, they had it in the spring months. At the festival, you can taste all sorts of cheeses – some are strong and hard, like dambal-khacho, some are spicy like gouda, and some are even soaked in things like oil, honey, spices, or wine. People from different places also show off old tools they used to make cheese and tell visitors how they make different types of cheese.
5. Tushetoba
This festival in Georgia, known as Tushetoba, kicks off with an exciting horse race, where the winner gets a flag and a sheep. The locals are renowned for their sheep breeding skills. It all happens in Tusheti National Park and is meant to introduce tourists to the region’s beauty, including its unique architecture, charming villages, and culture. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval towers, untouched villages, and stunning landscapes. At this Georgia festival, you can see how they make traditional cheese, enjoy Tushetian crafts, and savor delicious Khinkali (very popular meat dumplings). With traditional music and instruments playing in this lovely setting, it creates a magical atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
6. Art-Gene Festival
The Art-Gene festival is one of Georgia’s favorite music festivals, and it’s been celebrating the country’s musical traditions and heritage since 2003. Unlike other Georgia festivals, this one happens in the summertime and goes on for a week or even more. It’s held at the Museum of Ethnography in Tbilisi, and it’s a time when locals gather to enjoy nature, the cool summer evenings, and fantastic music. During the daytime, you can explore stalls filled with handmade crafts, taste different foods, and enjoy local wine or beer. It’s perfect for having a picnic with lovely tunes playing in the background. The festivities start in the late afternoon and go into the evening, often featuring the Sukhishvili National Ballet.
7. Shatiloba
In the historic mountain region of Khevsureti, north of Tbilisi, there’s a special festival known as Shatiloba. It takes place in the oldest village, Shatili, and celebrates local culture. Khevsur stone houses host this fair, offering folk music, dance, crafts, tasty food, horseback riding, and even wrestling. This festival, dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shatili village, showcases handmade crafts, local cuisine, and Khevsur beer, all within the unique Khevsur stone houses and towers. Don’t miss out on trying the mouthwatering Khinkali prepared by locals while enjoying the delicious Shatiloba feast with your hospitable hosts. It’s a true gem among Georgia festivals.
8. Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba
This unique festival doesn’t just honor the cultural heritage of UNESCO-listed Mtskheta; it also pays tribute to the historic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a deeply sacred place in Georgia. People from various cities and countries come to Mtskheta, the former Iberian capital, to partake in the festivities that fill its streets, making it one of the notable Georgia festivals. The celebration includes live music, traditional dances, artisan displays, and more to keep visitors entertained. You can also savor delicious local cuisine and find wonderful souvenirs. While it’s more of a one-day celebration than a full festival, Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba is one of Georgia’s most significant public holidays, observed on October 14 each year. It commemorates the miraculous acquisition of Jesus Christ’s tunic, Georgia’s most cherished relic, with religious services at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and festive events throughout the city.
9. Black Sea Jazz Festival
Set against the backdrop of the charming coastal town of Batumi, the Black Sea Jazz Festival is a vibrant celebration of jazz music with a unique seaside twist. It’s one of the largest music festivals in Georgia, featuring a mix of local and international artists from various genres, including jazz, hip-hop, and soul. The festival spans several days, with performances held on stages in Batumi and along the Black Sea coast. Over the years, it has evolved to include not just jazz but also R&B, hip-hop, soul, and funk. Renowned artists like Diana Krall, Wyclef Jean, and Robert Plant have graced its stages, drawing jazz enthusiasts from around the globe. The festival’s dates have varied, with 2022 seeing a mid-August schedule and 2023 shifting to late July.
10. New Wine Festival
Georgia is famous for its ancient winemaking traditions and a diverse range of locally produced world-class wines. One of the newer additions to Georgia festivals is the New Wine Festival, which spotlights wines made from the most recent harvests. It takes place in spring when it’s time to open up barrels of wine for tasting. The festival’s location and the wineries that participate may vary, but it has quickly become popular, attracting more and more attendees each year. At the festival, you can sample over 60 different types of Georgian wine, including some rare ones not found in stores. And since Georgians love their food and drink, there are also places where you can enjoy delicious dishes like mtsvadi (Georgian sashlik), fresh bread, and more to complement your wine-tasting experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the diverse array of festivals in Georgia offers visitors a captivating window into the country’s rich culture and heritage. These festivals, brimming with an exciting lineup of shows, events, and engaging activities, provide an immersive experience that allows you to truly connect with the heart and soul of Georgia. Whether it’s the vibrant celebrations of Tbilisoba, the joyous grape harvest traditions, or the music-filled Art-Gene festival, Georgia festivals stand as vibrant tapestries of its unique identity, inviting travelers from all corners of the world to join in the festivities and create cherished memories of their time in this enchanting country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU)
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU)
- Ilia State University, established in 2006, is one of the best universities in Georgia.