Georgia Independence Day
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- 1918Democratic Republic of Georgia declared — first republic in the Caucasus
- 1921Soviet Red Army invades — independence lost for 70 years
- 1991Georgia restores independence following referendum
Why Georgia celebrates 26 May
On 26 May 1918, the Georgian National Council proclaimed the Democratic Republic of Georgia in Tiflis — making Georgia one of the first democratic republics in the former Russian Empire. The republic introduced universal suffrage, freedom of speech and a multi-party parliament in a region where democracy was a radical experiment.
The republic was short-lived. In February 1921, the Soviet Red Army invaded Georgia and incorporated it into the Transcaucasian Soviet republic. But the memory of the 1918 republic was preserved in exile — particularly in Paris, where the Georgian government-in-exile kept the democratic tradition alive for 70 years.
Georgia restored independence in April 1991 following a referendum, and 26 May was retained as Independence Day to honour the first republic and assert historical continuity. The day is marked with a military parade in Tbilisi and celebrations across the country. The Mtkvari River embankment in Tbilisi fills with Georgian flags and live music.
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The Georgian flag — the Five Cross Flag — features a large red cross on a white field, with four smaller red crosses in each quadrant. The flag has ancient Christian roots and was the banner of the medieval Kingdom of Georgia. It was restored as the national flag in 2004 after independence, replacing the Soviet-era design.
Georgian cuisine is one of the jewels of the Caucasus — rich, diverse and intensely flavoured with walnuts, pomegranate, fenugreek, tarragon and tkemali plum sauce. The ancient wine tradition predates all other winemaking cultures.
What to eat
KhachapuriCheese-filled bread — the Adjarian version comes boat-shaped with an egg and butter on top.
KhinkaliLarge soup dumplings filled with spiced minced meat and broth — eaten by hand, leaving the top knot uneaten.
MtsvadiPork or lamb skewers grilled over a grapevine wood fire — a Georgian barbecue tradition.
LobianiBean-filled flatbread spiced with fenugreek and pickled vegetables — a popular winter dish.
SatsiviCold chicken in a rich walnut and spice sauce — served at celebrations and festive tables.
ChurchkhelaWalnut-filled grape juice sausage — dried into a dense, sweet energy food sold at every market.What to drink
RkatsiteliGeorgia's most widely grown white grape — used for both traditional amber wines and crisp modern whites.
ChachaGeorgian grape pomace spirit — strong, clear and home-distilled across the country.
Tarragon sodaBright green soda flavoured with tarragon — a uniquely Georgian soft drink found nowhere else.Georgia culture
Georgian culture is ancient, proud and deeply entwined with the Orthodox Church, polyphonic music and an extraordinary artistic and architectural heritage from the medieval golden age.
Rustaveli Avenue paradeThe grand avenue in Tbilisi's centre is the stage for the Independence Day military ceremony.
Georgian polyphonyUNESCO-listed three-part choral singing — performed at churches, celebrations and folk festivals.
Cave monastery of Vardzia12th-century cliff city carved into the Caucasus mountains — one of Georgia's greatest medieval monuments.
Narikala fortressThe ancient citadel overlooking Tbilisi's Old Town — lit up with fireworks on national holidays.