It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 2021 is almost over, and not a moment too soon. Everyone is getting ready for these days, some are sewing a new dress, some are making a new wish list and some are looking for a new location to make this day special, but when it comes to New Year’s Eve, there’s no better way to kick off another trip, than by throwing an awesome party.
Wondering where to spend the main holiday of the year? In this article we are going to convince you that Georgia is one of the best options:
1. New year decorations in Tbilisi
New Year is a special holiday all over the world and Tbilisi is not an exception. The streets decorated with glitter lamps create holiday spirit the most. Tbilisi all sparkles with bright lights, an evening stroll through the city will allow you to plunge into the dreamy atmosphere of the upcoming celebrations.
Every region celebrates New Year on its own way. There are several activities on this special day. In Tbilisi, there are several concerts held outdoor in the center, where everyone is welcomed to join and drink a glass of wine. Georgian bazaars and streets are joyful and full of colors.
2. Georgian feast
The grand preparation for the New Year starts a few days earlier in each family. That is the reason why the New Year’s table has its own incomparable charm and taste in Georgia.
There are top dishes, that everyone should have on New Year’s eve. If you happen to be in Georgia or would like to celebrate this important occasion like a real Georgian, then you should definitely have these top five foods on your supra (feast): Satsivi (a thick paste made from walnuts and served cold), Gozinaki (traditional Georgian confection made of caramelized nuts fried in honey), Eggplant with walnuts, Khachapuri(cheese-filled bread), Churchkhela (Traditional sweet).
3. New Year traditions
You will discover a lot of interesting concerning New Year traditions in Georgia. Even local Santa Claus – “Tovlis Babua” is very different from the usual one, and instead of a red-white dress wears a snow-white “Nabadi”(Georgian burka ). Moreover, the first guest, crossing a threshold in the new year “Mekvle,” can bring happiness, or vice versa, failure. In addition to the traditional Christmas tree in Georgia, you will be able to decorate “Chichilaki” – a small Christmas tree from a hazel branch.
4. Merge your winter holidays
If you want to balance New Year holidays with extreme rest and enjoy your favorite winter sports, then Georgia is the best place for you. It has quite a variety of winter experiences.
You can explore Tbilisi and its museums, historic baths and modern bars. Batumi – coffee brewed on hot sand, winter sea and snow-capped mountains. Svaneti – medieval towers, treasures hidden from the invaders, and breathtaking scenery. Monasteries, wine cellars and spa hotels in Kakheti.
You can spend an unforgettable time at one of the high-class ski resorts and enjoy majestic snowy landscapes. Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia, Goderdzi or Tetnuldi, these are noteworthy ski resorts in Georgia, where you can make your New year celebration special with your beloved ones.
5. We celebrate it twice !
As the country is located between Europe and Asia, the mix of influences from the two continents has resulted in unique local traditions and customs – unlike what you find anywhere else: for example the fact that Georgians celebrate New Year twice.
On the 1st January, there is the first New Year celebration. And only two weeks later, still in the mood of New Year, we celebrate Old New Year on 14th January.