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Public holidayHolidayNationwideMay

Independence Day (26 May)

Georgia's national day, marking the 1918 Democratic Republic, with flags, concerts and fairs in Tbilisi.

WhenFixed: 26 May, public holiday
202626 May 2026
202726 May 2027 · confirmed
WhereAll over Georgia
Public holidayYes: offices and some shops close
Rustaveli AvenueRustaveli AvenuePhoto: George Kvizhinadze, CC BY-SA 2.0

On 26 May 1918 Georgia declared independence from the collapsing Russian Empire and founded the Democratic Republic of Georgia, which lasted until the Red Army invaded in 1921. The day is the country's main patriotic holiday.

Rustaveli Avenue and the squares of central Tbilisi fill with flags, stalls and concerts, and some years include a military parade. Late May weather is usually warm and fresh, which makes this one of the easiest public holidays to enjoy as a visitor.

Tips from your host
  • Main avenues may close for events; walk rather than drive in the centre.
  • Book Tbilisi hotels early for the long weekend in years when 26 May falls near a weekend.

Where to see it

Rustaveli AvenuePhoto: George Kvizhinadze, CC BY-SA 2.0
Cities & TownsRustaveli Avenue

Tbilisi's main avenue, 1.5 km from Freedom Square past Parliament, the Opera, theatres, galleries and the National Museum.

TbilisiPhoto: Alexey Komarov, CC BY-SA 4.0
Cities & TownsTbilisi

Georgia's capital on the Mtkvari river: sulphur baths, balconied old streets, churches, markets and a lively food and wine scene.

Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.

Tours around Independence Day (26 May)

Abanotubani Sulphur BathsAbanotubani Sulphur BathsPhoto: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
3 days
Classic & CultureFood & Gastronomy

Tbilisi City Break

A long weekend in the Georgian capital with a local guide: the Old Town and Narikala, a private sulphur bath, Sololaki's painted hallways, Fabrika, the funicular to Mtatsminda, a supper of Georgian wine and food, and a morning in ancient Mtskheta.

Easy · CL-03Bfrom $600 pp

More in May and after

Full calendar →
17 May 2027Day of Family Sanctity and Respect for Parents

A church-backed day off with a large procession in central Tbilisi.

Public holiday2027 date confirmedReligiousNationwide
2 May 2027 (expected)Kutaisoba (Kutaisi City Day)

Kutaisi's spring city festival, with concerts, folk dance and market stalls in the centre.

2027 date expectedCityImereti
8 May 2027 (expected)New Wine Festival (Tbilisi)

A one-day tasting in Mtatsminda Park where small producers pour the first wines from the previous autumn's harvest.

2027 date expectedWineTbilisi