Public Holidays in Georgia 2025 – National & Religious Calendar
Georgia (the country in the Caucasus) recognizes a blend of national, religious (primarily Georgian Orthodox), and cultural public holidays. These days are observed across the nation, with government services, schools, and many businesses closing. Religious dates, especially around Easter, follow the Orthodox (Julian-based) calendar, so they shift annually.
Overview of Public Holidays in Georgia
Georgia’s public holidays include fixed Gregorian dates (e.g. New Year, Christmas, Independence Day) as well as moveable religious observances (Orthodox Easter, Good Friday, etc.). In addition, there are cultural and national commemorations such as “National Unity Day” (April 9) and “Svetitskhovloba” (October 14).
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 in Georgia 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 | Remembers the 1989 Tbilisi tragedy and re-assertion of national integrity. |
| 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 national independence from Russia in 1918. |
| Saint Mary’s Day (Mariamoba) | August 28 | Thursday | Feast of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. |
| Day of Svetitskhoveli (Svetitskhovloba) | October 14 | Tuesday | Commemorates the Christian heritage at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. |
| Saint George’s Day (Giorgoba) | November 23 | Sunday | Honors St. George, patron saint of Georgia. |
Religious, Cultural & National Significance
Georgia’s public holidays reflect its deep connection to the Georgian Orthodox Church and its national history. Orthodox Christmas and Epiphany celebrate key Christian traditions under the Julian calendar. Easter and associated holy days are among the most spiritually significant dates, celebrated with liturgy and gatherings. National observances like National Unity Day (April 9) commemorate tragic events in Soviet-era Georgia and are intended to foster national cohesion. Independence Day is a major patriotic holiday with parades, speeches, and cultural events. Mariamoba and Svetitskhovloba celebrate Georgia’s Christian heritage and religious architecture. Victories over fascism and observances of Saints’ days reflect both Georgia’s European affiliations and religious identity.
Public Observances & Closures
On public holidays, government agencies, banks, schools, and many private enterprises close throughout Georgia. In regions across the country—especially in Tbilisi and Batumi—civic ceremonies, church services, and cultural programs mark the days. Because Easter dates shift year to year, the government publishes their observance in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Georgia have in 2025?
Georgia officially recognizes around 14 national public holidays in 2025.
Do religious holiday dates change each year?
Yes. Orthodox Christian holidays—especially Easter, Good Friday, etc.—follow the Julian (Orthodox) calendar and thus shift annually.
What is April 9 “National Unity Day” in Georgia?
April 9 is observed as National Unity Day, honoring victims of the 1989 Tbilisi tragedy and reflecting Georgia’s struggle for national integrity.
What happens when a holiday falls on Sunday?
Some holidays (like Saint George’s Day, November 23 in 2025) fall on Sunday and remain observed that day; Georgia does not always shift holidays to Monday.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Georgia encapsulate the nation’s spiritual traditions, historical remembrance, and cultural identity. Whether through church observance on Orthodox feast days, patriotic celebrations like Independence Day, or solemn commemorations such as National Unity Day, these holidays shape the rhythm of Georgian public life and communal memory each year.
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