Public Holidays in Georgia 2026 – Orthodox, National & Public Holidays
Georgia (the country in the Caucasus) recognizes a blend of national, religious (primarily Georgian Orthodox), and cultural public holidays. These days are observed nationwide, with government services, schools, and many businesses closing. Religious dates—especially Easter—follow the Orthodox (Julian-based) calendar and therefore change each year.
Overview of Public Holidays in Georgia
Georgia’s public holidays include fixed Gregorian dates (such as New Year’s Day, Orthodox Christmas, and Independence Day) alongside moveable Orthodox Christian observances (Easter, Good Friday, Holy Saturday). The calendar also includes major national commemorations like National Unity Day (April 9) and Svetitskhovloba (October 14).
List of Public Holidays in Georgia (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Remarks / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | First day of the year. |
| New Year Holiday (Jan 2) | January 2 | Friday | Second day of New Year holiday. |
| Orthodox Christmas | January 7 | Wednesday | Celebrated per Julian calendar. |
| Orthodox Epiphany (Baptism) | January 19 | Monday | Commemoration of Christ’s baptism. |
| Mother’s Day | March 3 | Tuesday | Honors mothers. |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Sunday | Celebration of women’s rights. |
| National Unity Day | April 9 | Thursday | Commemorates the 1989 Tbilisi tragedy. |
| Orthodox Good Friday | April 10 | Friday | Christian observance before Easter. |
| Orthodox Holy Saturday | April 11 | Saturday | Day before Easter Sunday. |
| Orthodox Easter Sunday | April 12 | Sunday | Resurrection of Christ (Orthodox). |
| Orthodox Easter Monday | April 13 | Monday | Second day of Easter celebration. |
| Victory Day (Europe Day) | May 9 | Saturday | Commemorates victory over fascism. |
| St. Andrew the First-Called Day | May 12 | Tuesday | Religious commemoration of St. Andrew. |
| Independence Day | May 26 | Tuesday | Georgia’s independence declared in 1918. |
| Saint Mary’s Day (Mariamoba) | August 28 | Friday | Feast of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. |
| Day of Svetitskhoveli (Svetitskhovloba) | October 14 | Wednesday | Celebrates Georgia’s Christian heritage. |
| Saint George’s Day (Giorgoba) | November 23 | Monday | Honors St. George, patron saint of Georgia. |
List of Public Holidays in Georgia (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Remarks / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | First day of the year. |
| New Year Holiday (Jan 2) | January 2 | Thursday | Second day of New Year holiday. |
| Orthodox Christmas | January 7 | Tuesday | Celebrated per Julian calendar. |
| Orthodox Epiphany (Baptism) | January 19 | Sunday | Commemoration of Christ’s baptism. |
| Mother’s Day | March 3 | Monday | Honors mothers. |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Saturday | Celebration of women’s rights. |
| National Unity Day | April 9 | Wednesday | Commemorates the 1989 Tbilisi tragedy. |
| Orthodox Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Christian observance before Easter. |
| Orthodox Holy Saturday | April 19 | Saturday | Day before Easter Sunday. |
| Orthodox Easter Sunday | April 20 | Sunday | Resurrection of Christ (Orthodox). |
| Orthodox Easter Monday | April 21 | Monday | Second day of Easter celebration. |
| Victory Day (Europe Day) | May 9 | Friday | Commemorates victory over fascism. |
| St. Andrew the First-Called Day | May 12 | Monday | Religious commemoration of St. Andrew. |
| Independence Day | May 26 | Monday | Georgia’s independence declared in 1918. |
| Saint Mary’s Day (Mariamoba) | August 28 | Thursday | Feast of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. |
| Day of Svetitskhoveli (Svetitskhovloba) | October 14 | Tuesday | Celebrates Georgia’s Christian heritage. |
| Saint George’s Day (Giorgoba) | November 23 | Sunday | Honors St. George, patron saint of Georgia. |
Public Observances & Closures
On public holidays, government institutions, banks, schools, and many private enterprises close throughout Georgia. Major cities such as Tbilisi and Batumi host civic events, while Orthodox holidays are marked by church services and family gatherings. Easter-related dates are officially announced in advance each year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Georgia observe each year?
Georgia typically observes around 14 to 16 public holidays annually, depending on the Orthodox Easter calendar.
Why do Georgian religious holidays change every year?
Most religious holidays follow the Orthodox (Julian-based) calendar, causing dates—especially Easter—to shift each year.
What is National Unity Day in Georgia?
National Unity Day (April 9) commemorates the victims of the 1989 Tbilisi tragedy and symbolizes Georgia’s struggle for sovereignty.
Are holidays shifted if they fall on a weekend?
Not always. Many holidays remain on their calendar date even if they fall on a Sunday.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Georgia reflect a strong blend of Orthodox Christian faith, national remembrance, and cultural identity. From Easter celebrations and saints’ days to Independence Day and National Unity Day, these observances continue to shape Georgian public life and tradition.
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