Festivals in Georgia You Should Experience at Least Once
Georgia isn’t just about breathtaking mountains and mouthwatering food—it's a land of vibrant festivals and deep-rooted traditions. Whether you're into wine, music, food, or folklore, there's a celebration waiting for you.
Planning your trip around one of these Georgian cultural events is a great way to dive into the country’s authentic spirit. Here are some of the most unforgettable Georgia festivals you should experience at least once.
🍇 1. Rtveli – The Grape Harvest Festival (September–October)
What it is:
Rtveli is one of Georgia’s oldest and most joyful traditions. It’s the annual
grape harvest celebration in the wine regions—especially Kakheti. Locals pick grapes, press them (sometimes barefoot!), sing folk songs, and gather for massive feasts.
Why go:
There’s no better way to experience Georgian hospitality. You’ll taste fresh wine, join in toasts with a tamada (toastmaster), and maybe even help crush grapes.
Where:
Kakheti (especially Telavi, Sighnaghi), Imereti, and Racha.
📝 Travel Tip: Plan in late September or early October to catch the peak of Rtveli. Many wineries offer tours, tastings, and even a chance to join the harvest.
🔥 3. Lamproba – The Festival of Lights (February)
What it is:
An ancient Svanetian ritual held to honor ancestors and ask for peace and prosperity. Locals light torches made of wood and walk through snow-covered mountain villages in a beautiful nighttime procession.
Why go:
You won’t see anything like this anywhere else. It’s spiritual, mysterious, and a glimpse into ancient mountain traditions.
Where:
Svaneti, especially in villages around Mestia.
📝 Travel Tip: Dress warm—it’s winter in the Caucasus! Combine your visit with a ski trip to Tetnuldi or Hatsvali.
🌿 4. Shuamtoba – Highland Celebration (August)
What it is:
Held in the highland regions like Tusheti and Khevsureti, Shuamtoba celebrates the summer return of shepherds and herders to the mountain pastures.
Why go:
You’ll witness horseback competitions, folk performances, and village feasts in one of the most remote and scenic parts of Georgia.
Where:
Tusheti, Khevsureti, and Pshavi.
📝 Travel Tip: A 4x4 vehicle is often required to access these remote areas. Many locals open their homes to visitors, offering rustic but authentic hospitality.
🎵 5. Art-Gene Festival – Culture Through Music (July)
What it is:
A traveling folk music and crafts festival that brings together artists, musicians, and performers from all over Georgia. The main event usually takes place at the Open Air Museum of Ethnography in Tbilisi.
Why go:
It’s a great place to experience regional dances, traditional instruments like the panduri and chonguri, and shop handmade souvenirs.
Where:
Tbilisi and other major cities across Georgia.
📝 Travel Tip: Check the schedule online—it changes each year and sometimes includes other towns like Zugdidi and Akhaltsikhe.
🎭 6. Alaverdoba – Religious Roots & Rural Life (September)
What it is:
A traditional feast and religious festival centered around
Alaverdi Cathedral in Kakheti. It blends Orthodox Christian traditions with pre-Christian harvest rituals.
Why go:
Pilgrims and locals gather for a celebration that includes liturgies, communal meals, and wine sharing.
Where:
Alaverdi Monastery, Kakheti region.
📝 Travel Tip: Respect the religious aspects of the festival—dress modestly and observe local customs.
Final Thought: Georgia Celebrates with Heart
From ancient torch-lit rituals to buzzing city-wide street parties, Georgia festivals are more than events—they’re expressions of the Georgian soul. Whether you come for the Rtveli grape harvest, the colors of Tbilisoba, or the mystical vibe of Lamproba, one thing’s guaranteed: you’ll leave with a full heart (and probably a full stomach too).
Want to time your trip with one of these festivals?
Let
Select Georgia Tours help you plan the perfect itinerary, so you don’t miss out on the magic of Georgia’s most beloved celebrations.
