On May 26, Georgia celebrates its Independence Day, commemorating the Act of Independence of 1918 that outlined the main principles of the nation's democracy. The country is also celebrating the 26th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union today.
After being a part of the former Soviet Union, the country regained its sovereignty on April 9, 1991.
A wide range of cultural, educational and entertainment activities are planned in capital Tbilisi as well as regional cities on May 26-27. Country-wide activities are themed after the anniversary of the birth of the iconic, 12th century poet Shota Rustaveli.
This year, Georgia’s Independence Day coincides with 850 years since the birth of the Georgian poet who penned the iconic poem, The Knight in the Panther’s Skin. Thus, the slogan of this year’s Independence Day is ‘I come from the country of Rustaveli’.
As part of the festivities on Rustaveli Avenue, residents and guests of the city will be able to visit the selling exhibition of agricultural products.
Until 2012, a military parade was held every year in Tbilisi. Those who want to see real military equipment may visit the exhibition on Rustaveli Avenue and listen to the performances of the Georgian Military Orchestra.
The holiday will end with gala concerts with the participation of Georgian performers, Sputnik-Georgia reports.
The head of the Institute of Management Strategy, Petre Mamradze, speaking to a correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that the day of the proclamation of the Democratic Republic of Georgia is of important symbolic significance for Georgians. "In the 1950s-1960s I knew people who remembered the proclamation of Georgia's independence in 1918, they remembered those 2.5 years of the republic's existence. These people constantly discussed whether there will be times when independence will be proclaimed again," he said.
"Most of them did not get to 1991, when Georgia once again became independent, but the memory of the first Georgian republic and the hope for the restoration of sovereignty has never weakened. Of course, the quality of life for many people after the collapse of the Soviet Union has greatly deteriorated - but the people still adhere to the values of independence and freedom," Petre Mamradze pointed out.
The political scientist stressed the relevance of reducing the officialdom in the celebration of Independence Day in recent years. "I like that official celebration have become much more modest. It used to be funny to watch. And Mikhail Saakashvili's speeches were completely inadmissible," he noted.
"Now we have much more modest festivities, appropriate to the standard of living of Georgia, but it doesn't ruin holiday spirit," the head of the Institute of Management Strategy concluded.
