Mariamoba (Dormition of the Virgin)
The feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, a public holiday with pilgrimages to churches dedicated to her.
Gelati MonasteryPhoto: Ihor Burliai, CC BY-SA 3.0Mariamoba is one of the biggest church feasts of the year. Georgia regards the Virgin as its patron, and many old churches carry her name, so services are held across the country and crowds gather at village churches for the liturgy and a picnic afterwards.
As a late-summer public holiday it also brings a rush to the coast and the mountains, so roads to Batumi and Kazbegi are busy around the 28th.
- Expect heavy traffic on main highways around the long weekend.
- Dress modestly; services start early in the morning.
Where to see it
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
Tours around Mariamoba (Dormition of the Virgin)
More in August and after
A commemoration of King David the Builder's 1121 victory at Didgori, held at the battlefield memorial of giant swords.
Aug 2027 (day to be announced)Shatiloba (Shatili, Khevsureti)A summer festival in the tower village of Shatili, with horse racing, Khevsur music and folk wrestling.
Aug 2027 (day to be announced)Tushetoba (Omalo)Tusheti's organised summer festival in Omalo: horse racing, folk dance, shepherds' contests and Tushetian cheese.