Georgia’s Independence Day will be marked with a variety of events throughout the country, organised by the Government Administration.
On May 26, the traditional conscript oath-taking ceremony will be held in the morning at Freedom Square in Tbilisi.

According to the Government Administration, this year’s Independence Day celebrations coincide with the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity being proclaimed the state religion, and they are built around the theme: “1,700 years of faith strengthening us — love uniting us.”

The Administration also notes that, in honour of this milestone, the oath-taking ceremony will be the largest ever held, and for the first time, conscripts will take their oaths simultaneously in Tbilisi and at ancient Christian churches and monasteries across Georgia’s 12 regions.

“Throughout the day, Orbeliani Square and Alexander Garden in the capital will host cultural, sporting, entertainment, and children’s events. In parallel, celebratory events will take place in town squares across the regions.

At 17:10, the national anthem will be performed simultaneously across the entire country to mark the historic moment of independence being declared. The Independence Day celebrations will conclude nationwide with gala concerts.

“On May 26 in Tbilisi, festivities will be held on Atoneli Street, in Alexander Garden, on Khazina and Pkhovi Streets, Purtsеladze Street, Vekua Street, and the surrounding areas,” the Government Administration states.

Programme

Alexander Garden

12:00–19:00 — Children’s concert: Ana-Bana; Vocal Academy; Basti-Bubu; Meko’s Studio; Nutsa’s School; Nukri Kapanadze’s Studio; Nia’s Studio; Candy; Bzikеbi
12:00–20:00 — Children’s entertainment: masterclasses and a large colouring stand; children’s activities; soap bubble and illusionist show; costumed actor storytelling

Khazina and Pkhovi Street

12:00–20:00 — Sports zone: photo spots; relaxation area; board games; basketball / football / padel; children’s activities and masterclasses; exhibition zone; sports chronicles

Purtsеladze Street

12:00–20:00 — Wine and wheat zone: wine bar; exhibition space; winemakers’ produce on display and for sale; relaxation area; photo zone/installation
14:00–18:00 — Children’s entertainment: flower crown-making; handicrafts; herbarium-making; pin-making
12:00–16:00 — Musical programme: Ani Kekua and Band; Dini Virsaladze; Mariko Ebralidze; DJ

Junction of Purtsеladze and Atoneli Streets

12:00–19:00 — Arts spaces: floral display/exhibition by Zurab Shevardnadze; photo zone; relaxation area; children’s masterclasses; themed café; concert

Vekua Street

12:00–20:00 — Food quarter

Italia Street

12:00–20:00 — Dining establishments

Atoneli Street

17:10 — Presidential Palace courtyard: Georgian national anthem
20:00 — Gala concert (Presidential Palace and surrounding area)

Marneuli and Akhalkalaki

Preparations are also underway in Marneuli and Akhalkalaki. Organised by the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, a varied programme of events is planned at the central park in Akhalkalaki and at the memorial “They Too Shall Grow” in Marneuli.

Akhalkalaki — Programme

11:00–18:00 — Exhibition of Georgian Defence Forces military hardware, weapons, and equipment
11:00–18:00 — Display and sale of handicrafts and products by local artisans
11:00–18:00 — Food area
11:00–18:00 — Children’s activities: flower crown-making masterclass; face painting; fairy-tale characters; educational and sporting activities
12:30 — Marching band performances and fairy-tale character appearances
13:00 — Concert by local performers
14:00 — Children’s animation activity
16:00 — Marching band performances with animated characters and a soap bubble show
17:10 — Georgian national anthem performed by Quartet “Unison”
17:15 — Gala concert

Marneuli — Programme

11:00–18:00 — Exhibition of Georgian Defence Forces military hardware, weapons, and equipment
11:00–18:00 — Display and sale of handicrafts and products by local artisans
11:00–18:00 — Food area
11:00–18:00 — Children’s activities: flower crown-making masterclass; face painting; fairy-tale characters; educational and sporting activities; games
12:30 — Marching band performances and fairy-tale character appearances
13:00 — Concert by local performers
14:00 — Children’s animated dance activity
16:00 — Marching band performances with animated characters and a soap bubble show
17:10 — Georgian national anthem performed by Shaban Mamedov and Trio “Balada”
17:15 — Gala concert

Akhaltsikhe

Independence Day celebrations will also be held in Akhaltsikhe, with educational, entertainment, and entrepreneurial activities taking place on the grounds of the Rabati Castle complex.

Programme:

11:00–15:30 — The Magical World of Books: The Knight in the Panther’s Skin.
12:00–17:00 — Educational and entertaining workshops for children and young people: “My Fortress” — children’s construction using special materials; “The Little Prince” — planet-making; painting bags and ceramic objects.
11:00–18:00 — Oriental bazaar: exhibition and sale of works by local artisans and artists; self-taught painters’ works; miniature sculptures; decorative items in various techniques; knitwear; jewellery; accessories; traditional Meskhian dishes and confectionery.
13:00–14:30 — Concert by Akhaltsikhe Municipality’s vocal and choreographic ensembles.
12:00–17:00 — “The Walking Sun and Friends” / soap bubble show programme.
14:30–17:00 — Finger puppet theatre performance.
17:10 — Georgian national anthem performed by Ensemble “Shavnabada.”
18:00 — Gala concert.

Gori

A rich programme of events is planned in Gori, organised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Throughout the day, visitors will be welcomed by various exhibition spaces, alongside a packed schedule of children’s activities.

Programme:

12:00–19:00 — Gori Central Square/area adjacent to the City Council: principal installations, exhibition and educational spaces — “Smart City”: interactive road safety and traffic space; historical and themed exhibition areas; information and interactive stands; exhibition of vehicles and specialist equipment; symbolic passport control area; police uniform and insignia display; children’s educational and entertainment activities; climbing wall; photo zones and themed installations; souvenir and branded accessories.
12:00–19:00 — Children’s entertainment activities: animators; fairy tale characters; educational and arts activities; drummers’ march.
12:00–19:00 — Exhibition and sale of local producers’ goods; food and confectionery area.
14:00–16:30 — Concert by local ensembles.
17:10 — Georgian national anthem performed by the Gori Women’s Chamber Choir.
18:00 — Gala concert.

Zugdidi

Organised by the Ministry of Justice, a range of educational events will take place in Zugdidi.

Programme:

11:00–17:00 — Exhibition of Defence Forces weapons; National Archives installation — 1,700 Years Since Georgia’s Conversion to Christianity; National Archives installation — Georgia’s First Republic / Restoration of Independence; National Archives installation on Samegrelo; information installation on the Ministry; giant passport; 360 GIF booth; photo space — newspaper; photo space — ID card; traditional photo space; mobile Justice House — symbolic birth certificates issued; re-market; exhibition of works by convicts; exhibition of old notarial acts; stands of Legal Entities of Public Law (SSIPs); exhibition of Penitentiary Service quad bikes; Penitentiary Service weapons and special equipment; “Manage Your Process Simply” — large-scale stand; food zone; exhibition and sale of locally handmade items; children’s area; legal consultations from notaries; surveyors’ consultations; symbolic passport printing.
12:00–15:00 — Concert by local children’s ensembles.
17:10 — National anthem performed by a local children’s folklore ensemble.
18:00 — Gala concert.

Telavi

Organised by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Telavi will celebrate Independence Day with a diverse programme.

Programme:

11:00–18:00 — Children’s activities: a 3D model with moving elements showing how electricity reaches consumers; an energy colouring display; build-a-pipeline; energy puzzle; interactive game; wind toy turbine. Educational activities: 3D zone — VR/3D glasses allowing participants to gain visual and educational insight into how energy sources work, with the opportunity to experience virtual reality; energy-generating bicycles; digital visualisation of Georgia’s energy potential; gas and safety educational corner; mini experimentorium — “Create Your Own Energy.”
12:00–18:00 — Mascots.
12:00–19:00 — Entrepreneurial space.
13:00–22:00 — Food zone and bar.
15:00–16:30 — Local children’s creative groups.
17:10 — Georgian national anthem performed by “Telavi Kapela.”
17:30–18:30 — Concert by local creative ensembles.
19:00 — Gala concert.

Organised by Georgian Post, children’s entertainment events will also take place in Telavi.

11:00–18:00 — Children’s activities; sending open postcards; postal workers; calligrapher; interactive activity for adults — “There’s a Letter for You.”

Kutaisi

With the support of the National Tourism Administration and the Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency, visitors to Kutaisi will enjoy a diverse and lively festive program.

Programme:

11:00–18:00 — Children’s activities: mini golf, chess, bowling; 3D modelling workshop; Snap Circuits and LEGO Spike workshop with practical testing; drone workshop; glasses workshop with practical demonstrations; scanning workshop; industrial robot arm — NYIRIO and UNITRI robot workshops with practical testing.
11:00–16:00 — Marching orchestra and ochos (stilt walkers).
12:00–15:00 — Experiments.
13:00–15:30 — Theatre.
14:00–22:00 — Food zone and bar.
17:00 — Performance.
17:10 — Georgian national anthem.
19:00 — Gala concert.

Poti

At Poti’s central square, the Protected Areas Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, along with the Batumi State Maritime Academy of the Maritime Transport Agency, will offer visitors educational and entertainment activities.

Programme:

11:00–18:00 — Children’s and educational activities; photo zone “I Am a Little Sailor”; ship simulator; “Safe Ship Navigation” game; exhibition of sailing vessels and lighthouses; exhibition of Georgian maritime maps.
11:00–18:00 — Exhibition of military hardware; exhibition and sale of local producers’ goods.
13:00–18:00 — Costumed actors’ procession accompanied by drummers; creative and entertainment activities.
13:30–14:30 — Prize-giving for pupils from schools near Kolkheti and Guria National Parks who participated in the competition “I Protect My Country’s Nature” in the children’s area.
13:30–13:50 — Concert by the Maritime Academy Band.
14:30–16:30 — Concert programme by local performers.
17:10–17:15 — Georgian national anthem.
17:20 — Gala concert.

Ambrolauri

Organised by United Airports of Georgia, the exhibition, information and multi-purpose spaces will be set up in Ambrolauri.

Programme:

11:00–18:00 — Educational stand on aviation; model glider activity for children; table tennis; photo zone in an aircraft frame; photo booth with branded pictures; distribution of informational leaflets; children’s colouring activity.
11:00–18:00 — Exhibition of military hardware; exhibition and sale of local producers’ goods.
12:00–13:00 — Drummers’ show and stilt walker performances.
12:00–18:00 — Wine tasting and presentation by winemakers; photo corner; children’s activities: flower wreath making, pin workshop, painting clay bowls, wine label making.
13:00–15:30 — Concert by local performers.
15:00–16:00 — LEGO building.
15:00–16:00 — Making aeroplanes from cardboard pieces.
17:10 — National anthem.
17:15 — Gala concert.

Mtskheta

Organised by the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs, festive events dedicated to Independence Day will be held throughout the day in Mtskheta.

Programme:

12:00–19:00 — Exhibition of Georgian Defence Forces military hardware, weapons and equipment.
12:00–19:00 — Themed photo and information stands.
12:00–17:00 — Children’s entertainment programme: workshops, fun games and photo zones.
12:00–16:00 — Concert by local musical and folklore ensembles.
14:00–16:00 — Procession of ochos, mascots and costumed actors with a drummers’ show.
12:00–17:00 — CPR demonstration.
12:00–19:30 — Exhibition and sale of local producers’ goods.
17:10 — Georgian national anthem.
17:15 — Gala concert.

Ozurgeti

Organised by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, May 26 will be celebrated with a diverse programme of events at Ozurgeti’s central square.

Programme:

11:00–20:00 — Educational activities; vocational college exhibitions; local producers’ exhibition and sale; military hardware exhibition; children’s entertainment activities; concert by local performers; gala concert.

(The programme features extensive participation from Georgia’s state universities and vocational colleges, offering activities including veterinary science demonstrations, VR travel experiences, agronomy masterclasses, microscopy sessions, Georgian calligraphy, robotics workshops, cybersecurity demonstrations, culinary and confectionery masterclasses, floristry, woodwork, drone piloting, and a digital cube screening educational content on space, the Jurassic period and the underwater world.)

Mestia

Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, various festive events will be held in Mestia to mark Georgia’s Independence Day.

Programme:

11:00 — Photo zones and information stands.
12:00 — Festive procession with costumed actors and an orchestra.
12:00–17:30 — Children’s entertainment area: face painting, sporting competitions and various entertainment activities.
12:00–19:30 — Exhibition and sale of local producers’ goods; culinary masterclass.
14:30–16:30 — Concert by local folklore and choreographic ensembles.
16:30 — Procession of costumed actors and orchestra.
17:10 — Georgian national anthem performed by local folklore ensemble “Rikho.”
17:30–19:30 — Gala concert.

Rustavi

The Ministry of Environment and Agriculture will organise festive events in Rustavi.

Programme:

Throughout the day — exhibition and sale of local producers’ goods; wine tasting; culinary masterclass; Rustavi Historical Pavilion — exhibition of replicas of artefacts discovered in Rustavi; Rustavi floodplain forest information wall; “Plant a Tree in Your Name” activity; fairy tale characters; farmer’s photo zone; exhibition space; 26 May installation.

13:10–14:10 — Children’s musical theatre performance featuring “José.”
14:20–16:50 — Concert by local performers.
17:10 — Georgian national anthem performed by Ensemble “Mdzlevari.”
19:00–21:00 — Gala concert.

Batumi

Organised by the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, May 26 will be celebrated with various festive events in the area surrounding the Alphabet Tower.

Programme:

11:00–20:00 — Educational and sporting activities for children and young people: basketball, mini football, face painting; “A Gift From My Own Hands” — canvas paintings created with children’s participation.
12:00–19:00 — Stand featuring Dinamo Batumi footballers meeting fans: autograph signing on memorabilia cards; photo opportunities; ticket giveaway for a football match.
11:00–20:00 — Exhibition and sale of works by local artisans and artists: self-taught painters’ works; miniature sculptures; decorative items in various techniques; knitwear; jewellery; accessories; traditional dishes and confectionery.
17:15 — Concert by the Batumi State Music Centre Symphony Orchestra.
18:30 — Gala concert.

The Government Administration further notes that the festive celebrations dedicated to May 26 will conclude with gala concerts in every region of Georgia, featuring well-known Georgian performers.