How is Christmas celebrated in Georgia and what is Alilo?
Christmas on January 7 and the Alilo carol procession.
Short answer
Georgia celebrates Christmas on January 7, an official public holiday, and Alilo is an ancient Christmas tradition in which groups of singers visit homes with a carol. The hosts reply with a gift. Alilo dates to the 5th–6th centuries.
Why
- The Labour Code lists January 7 (Christmas Day) among the holidays.
- The name Alilo may come from "Alleluia".
- Soviet rule interrupted the tradition for about 70 years, and the procession is now held every year.
Details
Several people sing Alilo together, and children join the procession with particular enthusiasm. The melodies differ by region, and the lyrics wish health, prosperity and happiness. Traditionally the participants also collected food for people in need, and eggs, a symbol of new life, were among the gifts. At the end of the procession gifts are given to elderly people and children's shelters.
Each region has its own Christmas dishes: a Christmas pie in Guria, ghomi and satsivi in Megrelia, walnut gozinaki in Meskheti, sweet kada in eastern Georgia, khinkali in Pshavi-Khevsureti, kubdari in Svaneti, khachapuri in Imereti and achma in Adjara. Pork is essential, and tables are decorated with churchkhela, dried fruit and pumpkin.
January days off and other dates: public holidays in Georgia. On guest customs: traditions and guest etiquette.
Tip
The Alilo procession usually takes place on Christmas Day in city centres, so check the exact time and route the day before in city announcements.
What may differ
Dishes and customs depend on the region and the family. Organisers set the route and time of the procession each year.
Common misconception
Georgia celebrates Christmas on December 25.
What actually happens
The Labour Code of Georgia lists January 7, Christmas Day, as the holiday. December 25 is not on the list.
People also ask
- What is Alilo in Georgia?
Sources
- Georgia.travel: AliloChecked at:
- Labour Code of Georgia, Article 30 (Holidays)Checked at:
- Georgia.travel: National Holidays in GeorgiaChecked at:
This answer is for reference. Dates and rules can change, so check the official websites.
Holidays of GeorgiaRelated questions
-
How do you register a marriage in Georgia?
Marriages in Georgia are registered at a Wedding House, a territorial office of the Public Service Development Agency or a Public Service Hall branch, and marriage is allowed from the age of 18.
-
How do toasts work at a Georgian feast and what is alaverdi?
At a Georgian feast the tamada leads the toasts: he proposes toasts suited to the occasion and is usually the most eloquent and respected guest.
-
What to give a Georgian, and what gifts to bring from Russia?
When visiting Georgians you can bring sweets, good tea or coffee, flowers for the hostess or a gift for the children.
-
What is Chidaoba (Georgian wrestling)?
Chidaoba is an ancient Georgian martial art that combines wrestling with music, dance and special garments, and it has been on the UNESCO intangible heritage list since 2018.