Invitation to the excellent Independence Day celebration of Georgia at Rosendals Wärdshus on Djurgården. After Crownprincess Victoria of Sweden’s visit to Georgia relation between Sweden and Georgia became stronger, and the Georgian Independence Day this year could be celebrated at Rosendals Wärldshus on Djurgården with special guests like Carola Häggqvist among others. Artists to perform were Georgian Folk dancers, and the Georgian singer Nutsa Buzaladze who came direct from the Eurovision final in Malmö.

Speech by Ambassador Irakli Khutsurauli and Peter Hultqvist member of Sweden’s Riksdag. A large buffet was served, with an excellent dessert a large Georgian cake. Serving exclusive Georgian wines during the evening at Rosendals Wärdshus.

History of Georgian Independence Day

Georgia had been part of the Russian Empire since 1800. Following the Russian revolution and the defeats in the First World War, movements within Georgia pushed for independence from Russia and on May 26th 1918, Georgia declared itself an independent democratic republic.

May 26th had been celebrated as a public holiday until Georgia became part of the Soviet Union in 1922. Celebrations of regional public holidays were suppressed across the Soviet Union and it wasn’t until 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet regime that this day regained its public holiday status.

Georgia seceded from the Soviet Union on April 9th 1991 and April 9th is now celebrated as a national public holiday, the Day of National Unity 33 years ago.

How is Georgian Independence Day Celebrated?

Independence Day celebrations in Georgia are usually political speeches and ceremonies, flag hoisting, concerts and festivals, fairs and exhibitions, and other public events celebrating the country’s rich history and culture

In the country’s capital of Tbilisi, an oath-taking ceremony begins the holiday’s official observances followed by speeches from national figures out of appreciation for Georgian freedom.

Loved ones celebrate with traditional Georgian feasts referred to locally as supra. These dinners are led with toasts by the Tamada (toastmaster) to the country of Georgia, normally followed by toasts to the most honoured visitors in the room.

Georgian hospitality is world-renowned, as hosts guarantee that their visitors’ cups (who often drink out of rams’ horns or porcelain replicas) are rarely empty.