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WINTER HOLIDAYS

The celebration of the winter holidays in Georgia lasts for around two weeks and has a unique Georgian spirit. First the Georgians celebrate New Year, on January 1st, then comes Christmas, in the style of the Orthodox world which celebrates the birth of the Lord on January 7. Then comes Old New Year on January 14.

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CHRISTMAS

Christmas has always been a special celebration in Georgia. This is the day when people express love, warmth and support in the name of Jesus Christ. On this day each Georgian has a special festive mood. The streets are decorated with beautiful Christmas illuminations and one can hear Christmas carols sung around. In Georgia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 according to the Julian Calendar and it marks the end of the great fast. Believers usually meet Christmas in the church where special service is held and only afterwards they go and celebrate this day together with their family members and close people.

Children are looking forward to Christmas Eve. They go from house to house and sing Christmas carols. The host families give them some money, sweets and small gifts.

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Alilo

One of the inseparable parts of Christmas is Traditional Christmas march called Alilo . As a rule the march starts in the morning after the special Christmas service held in the churches.

Thousands of people participate in Alilo: the clergy of different churches, parishioners and children .They carry crosses and icons through the streets and collect food, sweets and other things which are later distributed to the people in need and orphanages. Anyone can join the march or donate some food, products or other items.

Spiritual songs play an important role in the Christmas tradition in Georgia. As a rule, participants of Alilo perform Christmas carols during the procession.

Christmas in Georgia is a beautiful and unique celebration.

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A LIGHTED CANDLE

There is a tradition about Christmas Eve. On this night, a candle is lit by the window.

It is an invitation, a sign that the door of our home and heart is open for the Messiah to be born there. This way, the Orthodox living in Georgia express the birth and entry of the Savior into their families and souls.

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NEW YEAR

When it comes to New Year, Georgians have two dates to celebrate the new year. The biggest and most important one is the eve of December 31, and the second one, or Old New Year as locals call it, is marked on the eve of January 13.

The dinner table is set up very late at night, at around 11 p.m, but no one congratulates each other until 12 a.m when the New Year actually comes.

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GEORGIAN FEAST

Georgians love to celebrate their holidays in a noisy way with big traditional feasts, which includes an unlimited amount of dishes, snacks and drinks. People in Georgia have a special talent to turn any holiday celebration into a feast, involving all family members and friends.

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