Origin & history
The celebration of Christmas in Georgia follows the Julian calendar, used by the Georgian Orthodox Church. After adopting Christianity as the state religion in the 4th century, Georgia embraced the feast of the Nativity, which was officially separated from Epiphany. The date corresponds to December 25 in the Julian calendar, which falls on January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. This tradition persisted through Soviet times when religious observance was suppressed, yet Georgians maintained the celebration in secret or at home.
Customs & traditions
On Christmas Eve, families attend a special liturgy. On Christmas Day, the unique Georgian tradition of "Alilo" takes place: a large procession led by clergy and children carrying icons and singing carols. People exchange gifts and visit relatives. Traditional foods include roast pork or turkey, rice with raisins, and the sweet bread "gozinaki" (caramelized walnuts). The meal is often preceded by a prayer and the breaking of a special bread. Carolers go door-to-door, and the day is marked by charity and communal joy.
Why it is celebrated
For Georgians, Orthodox Christmas is a profound religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It also represents cultural identity and resistance, having been preserved through decades of Soviet atheism. The day is a time for family unity, faith renewal, and expressing hope and goodwill, reflecting the deep-rooted Christian heritage of the nation.