Independence Day in 2024

When is Georgian Independence Day?

This holiday is celebrated annually in Georgia on May 26th.

Also known as Day of the First Republic, this is Georgia's national day. It marks the adoption of the Act of Independence in 1918.

History of Georgian Independence Day

Georgia had been part of the Russian Empire since 1800. Following the Russian revolution and the defeats in the First World War, movements within Georgia pushed for independence from Russia and on May 26th 1918, Georgia declared itself an independent democratic republic.

Did you know?

Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, was Georgian.

May 26th had been celebrated as a public holiday until Georgia became part of the Soviet Union in 1922. Celebrations of regional public holidays were suppressed across the Soviet Union and it wasn't until 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet regime that this day regained its public holiday status.

Georgia seceded from the Soviet Union on April 9th 1991 and April 9th is now celebrated as a national public holiday, the Day of National Unity.

How is Georgian Independence Day Celebrated?

Independence Day celebrations in Georgia are usually political speeches and ceremonies, flag hoisting, concerts and festivals, fairs and exhibitions, and other public events celebrating the country’s rich history and culture

In the country’s capital of Tbilisi, an oath-taking ceremony begins the holiday’s official observances followed by speeches from national figures out of appreciation for Georgian freedom.

Loved ones celebrate with traditional Georgian feasts referred to locally as supra. These dinners are led with toasts by the Tamada (toastmaster) to the country of Georgia, normally followed by toasts to the most honoured visitors in the room.

Georgian hospitality is world-renowned, as hosts guarantee that their visitors' cups (who often drink out of rams' horns or porcelain replicas) are rarely empty.