Independence Day of Georgia: celebration, history and traditions of the great national event

The Georgian people had to go through great trials before gaining independence. What events preceded the acquisition of Georgia's sovereignty and what Georgians celebrate Independence Day, we will talk in this article.

There was no Georgia as a single state until the XIX century. There were kingdoms of Kartli-Kakheti, Imereti, Samtskhe-Saatabago. There were many wars and attacks by the Turks, Persians and other peoples who tried to conquer these lands, but the Georgians invariably defended their rights and expelled uninvited guests.

At the beginning of the XIX century, the country voluntarily joined the Russian Empire in order to get rid of unfriendly Islamic states. Emperor Alexander I abolished the existence of a separate Georgian kingdom, denoting the existence of the Transcaucasian Democratic Republic.

However, the Georgians were not enthusiastic about such a situation and demanded full independence. At the beginning of the XX century, the establishment of the Georgian Democratic Republic as an independent state was proclaimed. Some European countries supported the opinion of the people and recognized Georgia in this status. It is this day, May 26, 1918, that is celebrated annually as the Independence Day of Georgia at the present time.

Nevertheless, in 1921, the Soviet army suppressed the uprisings and announced the recognition of the Georgian USSR as part of the Soviet Union. Since then, until the collapse of the USSR, Georgia was only part of a large Soviet state, without losing hope for the restoration of sovereignty.

In 1991, after the referendum, Georgia announced to the whole world about secession from the USSR and the creation of its own independent state, the Republic of Georgia. From that moment on, no one else attempted this title and did not seek to conquer Georgian territories.

Georgians celebrate their Independence Day on May 26 on a special scale. This is a significant holiday for each of the inhabitants of the country, given their reverent attitude to the history of their people.

Military parades and solemn marches are organized in the capital. Thousands of military personnel, military equipment and other weapons pass along Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, pilots of military aircraft show aerobatics in the sky and delight the audience with a spectacular performance.

The Bridge of Peace turns into a flower bridge. The annual Vardobistve Festival takes place here, when plants of all colors of the rainbow decorate one of the main architectural sights of Tbilisi.

Rike Park, like other stadiums and parks, is filled with citizens. Festive concerts are held for them, entertainment competitions and sweepstakes, sports matches and children's events are organized. Veterans and old-timers gather in Vake Park.

Other cities of Georgia do not stand aside, and also arrange enchanting performances and show programs. Kutaisi, Batumi and other resort cities are happy to organize festivals and widely celebrate Independence Day.

Read about how other annual holidays are held in Georgia in the Madloba catalog! If you happened to visit the Georgian celebrations in person, be sure to share your impressions in the comments.