History and culture

1500 years of Tbilisi history: the founding legend, the capital of Georgia, invasions, the Russian Empire, the USSR and independence. What remains from each era.

Giorgoba, 23 November 2026 — St George's Day and a public holiday in Georgia. Why it's celebrated twice a year, what's open, and where to go in Tbilisi and Kakheti.

The Georgian alphabet — 33 letters, no capitals, read as it's written. A table with Russian transcription, the pronunciation of each letter, and its history.

Georgian toasts and the feast: who the tamada is, the order of toasts at a supra, the 12 main toasts with translations, and how to behave at a Georgian table.

Kartuli, khorumi, khevsuruli and acharuli: what Georgian dances mean, why the men dance on their toes, and where to see the Sukhishvili ensemble and shows in Tbilisi.

20 Georgian films, from “Mimino” and “Don't Grieve!” to “Tangerines” and “And Then We Danced”: what they're about, where they were filmed, and which places you can see on a trip to Georgia.

Svetitskhovloba, or Mtskhetoba, on 14 October is a public holiday in Georgia. The legend of Christ's robe, the Patriarch's service in Mtskheta, the fair, and how to get there from Tbilisi.

Tbilisoba 2026 takes place on 3–4 October: five venues (Rike, Orbeliani, Gudiashvili, Legvtakhevi, Metekhi), the city hall programme, rtveli and tips for visitors.