| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | Public holiday |
| Monday | Jan 02,2023 | New Year's (Day 2) | Public holiday |
| Saturday | Jan 07,2023 | Orthodox Christmas Day | Public holiday |
| Thursday | Jan 19,2023 | Orthodox Epiphany | Public holiday |
| Tuesday | Feb 14,2023 | Valentine's Day | Observance |
| Friday | Mar 03,2023 | Mothers' Day | Public holiday |
| Wednesday | Mar 08,2023 | International Women's Day | Public holiday |
| Tuesday | Mar 21,2023 | Nowruz | Observance |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Independence Restoration Day | Public holiday |
| Friday | Apr 14,2023 | Orthodox Good Friday | Public holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 15,2023 | Orthodox Holy Saturday | Public holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 16,2023 | Orthodox Easter Sunday | Public holiday |
| Monday | Apr 17,2023 | Orthodox Easter Monday | Public holiday |
| Tuesday | May 09,2023 | Victory Day | Public holiday |
| Friday | May 12,2023 | St Andrew's Day | Public holiday |
| Friday | May 26,2023 | Independence Day | Public holiday |
| Sunday | Jun 18,2023 | Fathers' Day | Observance |
| Monday | Aug 28,2023 | Day of the Assumption of Mary | Public holiday |
| Saturday | Oct 14,2023 | Svetitskhovloba | Public holiday |
| Thursday | Nov 23,2023 | St George's Day | Public holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Observance |
New Year's Day in Georgia, known as "Ts'lis Gaghvt" in Georgian, marks the beginning of the year with joy and festivities. It's a time for families and friends to come together, exchange gifts, and make resolutions for the year ahead. The holiday has cultural significance as it reflects the spirit of renewal and hope that is deeply rooted in Georgian traditions.
Orthodox Christmas Day, celebrated on January 7th, is a significant religious holiday in Georgia. Known as "K'rist'e akhun dz'ma," it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Georgians attend church services, partake in feasts, and engage in caroling traditions. The holiday holds immense cultural importance, reflecting the deep Christian heritage and faith that are integral to Georgian identity.
Orthodox Epiphany, known as "Ghvtismshoblis ts'minda Giorgis dghe," is celebrated on January 19th and marks the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Georgians participate in the tradition of "cross diving," where a priest throws a cross into the water, and young men dive to retrieve it. This ritual symbolizes the purification of sins. The holiday is culturally significant, emphasizing the importance of faith and spirituality in Georgian life.
Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is known as "Valentini." While it's not a traditional Georgian holiday, it has gained popularity in recent years. Georgians use this day to express their love and affection for their partners through the exchange of gifts and romantic gestures. Valentine's Day highlights the universal theme of love and is celebrated as a day of love and connection in Georgian culture.
Mothers' Day, known as "Deda Ena," is celebrated on March 3rd in Georgia. It's a day to honor and express gratitude to mothers for their love and sacrifices. Georgians often give flowers and gifts to their mothers and spend quality time together. Mothers' Day is culturally significant as it underscores the importance of family and the role of mothers in Georgian society.
International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8th as "Mart'lmadidebeli dghe," is a day to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in various fields. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Georgians organize events, workshops, and discussions to empower women and address gender-related issues. The holiday promotes gender equality and highlights the cultural significance of women's roles in Georgian society.
Nowruz, known as "Nawruz bayrami" in Georgian, is celebrated on March 21st as the Persian New Year. It symbolizes the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. Georgians engage in traditions like "Chakhrabogi," a special festive table, and "Eid-e Didani," visiting family and friends. Nowruz is culturally important as it represents the rich tapestry of cultural influences in Georgia and the appreciation for nature's cycles and diversity.
Independence Restoration Day, celebrated on April 9th, commemorates the restoration of Georgia's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It's known as "Sak'art'velos damoukideblobis dghe." Georgians mark this day with patriotic ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances that reflect the country's heritage. The holiday is of great cultural and historical significance as it signifies the restoration of Georgia's sovereignty and national pride.
Orthodox Good Friday, known as "Ghvtismshoblis gzat," is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is a solemn day of mourning and reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Georgians attend church services and participate in processions carrying crosses. The holiday holds deep cultural and religious importance, fostering a sense of devotion and unity among Orthodox Christians in Georgia.
Orthodox Holy Saturday, known as "Shabat' ghvtismshoblis dghe," falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a day of anticipation and preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Georgians attend church services and participate in the midnight liturgy, where the resurrection is celebrated. Holy Saturday is culturally significant as it marks the culmination of Holy Week and the joyous anticipation of Easter.
Orthodox Easter Sunday, known as "ghvtismshoblis ekvtimeba," is the most important Christian holiday in Georgia. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Georgians attend church services, engage in feasting, and participate in various Easter traditions, including the cracking of red eggs. Easter Sunday is of immense cultural and religious importance, uniting Georgians in their faith and joyous celebrations.
Orthodox Easter Monday, known as "ghvtismshoblis ekkvekneba," extends the Easter festivities in Georgia. It's a day for family gatherings and continuing the celebrations of Christ's resurrection. Many Georgians visit friends and family, share meals, and exchange gifts. Easter Monday reinforces the cultural and religious ties that bind the Orthodox Christian community in Georgia and deepens their sense of devotion and unity.
Victory Day, celebrated on May 9th, commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. It's known as "Vik'toria dghe" in Georgian. Georgians participate in parades and ceremonies to honor the veterans and remember the sacrifices made during the war. Victory Day is culturally important as it reflects Georgia's role in the global struggle for freedom and peace, and it pays tribute to the resilience and bravery of the nation.
St. Andrew's Day, known as "Andriaoba" in Georgian, is celebrated on December 13th. It commemorates the life and teachings of St. Andrew, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. Georgians participate in religious services and engage in acts of charity. St. Andrew's Day holds cultural importance as it emphasizes the role of faith and charity in Georgian society and connects Georgians with their Christian heritage.
Independence Day, celebrated on May 26th, marks Georgia's declaration of independence from the Democratic Republic of Georgia in 1918. Known as "Sak'art'velos damoukideblobis dghe," it is a day of patriotic pride. Georgians participate in parades, concerts, and cultural events that reflect the country's heritage. Independence Day is of great cultural and historical significance, symbolizing Georgia's sovereignty and the enduring spirit of the nation.
Fathers' Day, known as "Batk'eba," is celebrated on July 7th in Georgia. It's a day to honor and show appreciation for fathers and father figures. Georgians often give gifts and spend quality time with their fathers. Fathers' Day is culturally important as it highlights the significance of family and the role of fathers in Georgian society.
The Day of the Assumption of Mary, known as "Mariamoba" in Georgian, is a Christian holiday celebrated on August 28th. It commemorates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Georgians attend church services and participate in processions. The holiday is of cultural and religious importance as it reflects the role of faith and devotion in Georgian life and connects Georgians with their Christian heritage.
Svetitskhovloba is a religious holiday celebrated on October 14th. It is dedicated to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Georgians attend church services, processions, and cultural events to honor the cathedral's significance. Svetitskhovloba holds cultural and historical importance as it reflects Georgia's rich religious heritage and its architectural treasures.
St. George's Day, known as "Giorgoba" in Georgian, is celebrated on November 23rd. It honors the life and martyrdom of Saint George, a prominent Christian figure. Georgians attend church services and participate in processions. St. George's Day is of cultural and religious significance, emphasizing the role of faith and devotion in Georgian life and connecting Georgians with their Christian heritage.
New Year's Eve, known as "Ts'lis Gaghvti Dzeglebi" in Georgian, is celebrated on December 31st as the year comes to a close. It's a night of festive gatherings, parties, and fireworks to welcome the approaching new year. Families and friends come together to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future. The celebrations promote unity, hope, and cultural traditions, making New Year's Eve a culturally significant occasion that ushers in the promise of a fresh start in Georgia.
