Georgia to mark Independence Day with nationwide events tied to Christian heritage anniversary, Gov’t

The Georgian government on Thursday announced this year’s Georgia Independence Day celebrations on 26 May will be held across the country and will centre on the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity being declared the state religion.

Speaking at a briefing, head of the government administration Levan Zhorzholiani said the events are being organised by the Georgian government and the government administration.

Zhorzholiani added traditional military oath-taking ceremonies for conscripts will take place in Tbilisi and in 12 regions near historic churches and monasteries across the country.

He described the scale of the ceremonies as unprecedented.

The programme will also include gala concerts, sporting and cultural events, as well as activities for children.

As part of the celebrations, the Georgian national anthem is scheduled to be performed nationwide at 17:10 local time, in keeping with tradition.