Georgia Public Holidays

Georgia Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Georgia? All public holidays in Georgia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Georgia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Georgia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Holidays in Georgia

Georgia, a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. The public holidays in Georgia reflect a blend of Christian religious observances, national celebrations, and historical events that have shaped the nation. With a population predominantly adhering to the Georgian Orthodox Church, many of the country’s public holidays are rooted in Christianity, particularly those honoring the saints and significant events in the life of Jesus Christ. In addition to religious holidays, Georgia celebrates important milestones in its history, such as independence and the country’s struggle for sovereignty. The national holidays serve to unite the Georgian people, honor their traditions, and celebrate their culture.

National Holidays in Georgia

1. New Year’s Day (New Year’s Day) – January 1

Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day in Georgia is celebrated as a festive occasion marking the first day of the year. It is a day of family gatherings, feasts, and celebrations. Georgians celebrate New Year’s Eve with a variety of traditions, including preparing special foods, dancing, and sharing good wishes for the upcoming year. The first of January is a public holiday across the country, and most businesses and government offices are closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1

2. Orthodox Christmas Day (Orthodox Christmas) – January 7

Date: January 7
Description: Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia is celebrated according to the Julian calendar, which places the holiday on January 7th. Christmas is an important religious occasion for Georgians, and it is marked by church services, prayers, and family gatherings. The day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, and many Georgians observe it with traditions such as attending a midnight church service, feasting on special foods, and exchanging gifts.
Observance: Nationally, particularly in Orthodox Christian communities
Days Off: 1

3. Epiphany (Theophany) – January 19

Date: January 19
Description: Epiphany in Georgia marks the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. The holiday is observed with religious rituals, including a significant baptismal ceremony known as the “Blessing of the Waters” in which many Georgians partake. This is an important religious event for the Georgian Orthodox Church. It is common for people to immerse themselves in holy water on this day. Epiphany is a public holiday in Georgia, and it is widely observed with church services and family activities.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1

4. Mother’s Day (Mother’s Day) – March 3

Date: March 3
Description: Mother’s Day is celebrated in Georgia to honor mothers and their contribution to the family and society. The holiday is observed with expressions of gratitude, family gatherings, and special treats. Georgians celebrate by offering gifts, flowers, and cards to mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures. While not a public holiday that results in widespread closures, Mother’s Day is widely observed in Georgia with festive gatherings.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: Not an official public holiday but widely celebrated

5. International Women’s Day (International Women’s Day) – March 8

Date: March 8
Description: International Women’s Day is celebrated globally to honor the achievements and contributions of women. In Georgia, the day is observed with events that focus on gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment. While it is not an official public holiday, it is widely recognized and celebrated with gatherings, speeches, and celebrations honoring women in all sectors of society.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: Not a public holiday, but widely celebrated

6. Labour Day (Labour Day) – May 1

Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day in Georgia celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement. The holiday is marked by parades, speeches, and demonstrations advocating for workers’ rights and social justice. It is an important occasion for reflecting on labor conditions and the role of workers in Georgia’s economy. Labour Day is observed as a public holiday, and most businesses and government offices are closed for the day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1

7. Independence Day (Independence Day) – May 26

Date: May 26
Description: Independence Day marks the declaration of the first Georgian Republic on May 26, 1918. This day commemorates the birth of modern Georgia as an independent nation. The holiday is celebrated with military parades, concerts, cultural events, and public festivities. Independence Day is a national holiday, and it serves as an opportunity for Georgians to reflect on their history and the importance of sovereignty. The day is widely celebrated with pride, particularly in Tbilisi, the capital city.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1

8. Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Assumption of the Virgin Mary) – August 28

Date: August 28
Description: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a significant religious holiday in Georgia, particularly for those of the Georgian Orthodox faith. It marks the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken bodily into heaven. The holiday is marked by church services, prayers, and religious processions. Many Georgians attend church to celebrate the Virgin Mary’s role in the Christian faith and to reflect on her significance.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1

9. Giorgoba (St. George’s Day) – November 23

Date: November 23
Description: Giorgoba, or St. George’s Day, is one of the most important religious holidays in Georgia, dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of Georgia. The day is marked by church services, prayers, and community celebrations. St. George is revered as a warrior and martyr, and this day honors his role in protecting the country and its people. Giorgoba is widely celebrated by Georgians with traditional meals and festivals.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1

10. Christmas Day (Christmas Day) – December 25

Date: December 25
Description: Christmas Day in Georgia is celebrated by the Georgian Orthodox Church on January 7, but December 25 is also recognized as Christmas in Georgia, particularly by the Catholic and Protestant Christian communities. Christmas is a time for family gatherings, religious services, and festive meals. The Georgian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas with a traditional service, and many Georgians observe the occasion by attending church, having family feasts, and sharing holiday gifts.
Observance: Nationally, particularly among Christian communities
Days Off: 1

Religious Holidays in Georgia

1. St. Nino’s Day (St. Nino’s Day) – January 14

Date: January 14
Description: St. Nino’s Day commemorates the missionary work of St. Nino, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. The day is an important religious holiday for the Georgian Orthodox Church, marked by church services and prayers dedicated to St. Nino. Georgians honor her contribution to the spread of Christianity in the country and reflect on her role as a symbol of faith and strength.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1

2. All Saints’ Day (All Saints’ Day) – First Sunday in November

Date: First Sunday in November
Description: All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday that honors all saints, known and unknown, and is observed with church services and prayers. In Georgia, the holiday is particularly significant for the Georgian Orthodox Church, which holds services to honor the saints and martyrs who have shaped the country’s Christian heritage. The day is often marked by solemn visits to cemeteries and acts of charity.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1

3. Ascension Day (Ascension of Jesus) – Varies (May/June)

Date: Varies (May/June)
Description: Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. The day is marked by religious observances in the Georgian Orthodox Church, where people gather for church services and prayers. It is a public holiday in Georgia, and many attend church to reflect on the significance of Christ’s ascension and its impact on Christian doctrine.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1

4. Palm Sunday (Palm Sunday) – Varies (April)

Date: Varies (April)
Description: Palm Sunday marks the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, celebrated with church services and processions. In Georgia, Palm Sunday is an important holiday for the Orthodox community, with many attending church to take part in the ceremonial blessings of palm branches, which symbolize peace and victory. The holiday also marks the beginning of Holy Week in the Christian calendar.
Observance: Nationally, particularly among Orthodox Christians
Days Off: 1

5. St. Andrew’s Day (St. Andrew’s Day) – November 30

Date: November 30
Description: St. Andrew’s Day celebrates the patron saint of Georgia, St. Andrew, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the Georgian people. The holiday is observed with church services, prayers, and public celebrations in honor of the saint’s legacy. Many Georgians use this day to reflect on their Christian heritage and the historical importance of St. Andrew in Georgian Christianity.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1

Cultural and National Holidays in Georgia

1. Tbilisi Day (Tbilisi City Day) – October 25

Date: October 25
Description: Tbilisi Day celebrates the founding of the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi, and its rich cultural and historical heritage. The city is the heart of Georgian culture, politics, and commerce, and the day is marked by a variety of cultural events, including concerts, performances, and art exhibitions. It is a time for Tbilisi’s residents and visitors to celebrate the city’s history and its importance to Georgian identity.
Observance: Primarily in Tbilisi
Days Off: Not a national public holiday, but widely celebrated in Tbilisi

2. Georgian Language Day (Georgian Language Day) – April 14

Date: April 14
Description: Georgian Language Day celebrates the importance of the Georgian language in preserving the country’s cultural heritage. The day is marked by events focused on the promotion of the Georgian language, including educational programs, public discussions, and cultural performances. It is a time for Georgians to reflect on the significance of their language and its role in the nation’s history. While not an official public holiday, the day is widely celebrated, especially by those involved in language preservation and education.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: Not a public holiday, but widely observed

Public Holidays Observance and Work Schedule

The following table shows the public holidays, the number of days off, and which groups of people observe the holidays.

Holiday Date Days Off Groups Observing
New Year’s Day (New Year’s Day) January 1 1 Nationally
Orthodox Christmas Day (Orthodox Christmas) January 7 1 Orthodox Christian communities
Epiphany (Theophany) January 19 1 Nationally
Mother’s Day (Mother’s Day) March 3 Not official, widely celebrated Nationally
International Women’s Day (International Women’s Day) March 8 Not official, widely celebrated Nationally
Labour Day (Labour Day) May 1 1 Nationally
Independence Day (Independence Day) May 26 1 Nationally
Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Assumption of the Virgin Mary) August 28 1 Nationally
Giorgoba (St. George’s Day) November 23 1 Nationally
Christmas Day (Christmas Day) December 25 1 Nationally
St. Nino’s Day (St. Nino’s Day) January 14 1 Nationally
All Saints’ Day (All Saints’ Day) First Sunday in November 1 Nationally, Christian communities
Ascension Day (Ascension of Jesus) Varies (May/June) 1 Nationally
Palm Sunday (Palm Sunday) Varies (April) 1 Orthodox Christians
St. Andrew’s Day (St. Andrew’s Day) November 30 1 Nationally
Tbilisi Day (Tbilisi City Day) October 25 Not official, widely celebrated Primarily in Tbilisi
Georgian Language Day (Georgian Language Day) April 14 Not official, widely celebrated Nationally

Georgia, Asia Public Holidays