Prime Minister attends Shuamtoba public festival in mountainous Adjara

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili is celebrating the annual Shuamtoba public holiday today in Georgia's mountainous Adjara region.

Each year on the first weekends in August the country celebrates Shuamtoba to mark the beginning of the summer season in the mountainous areas. 

This was the second time the Georgian official took part in the event, which has historic importance and association with cattle-breeding in the mountain areas in Georgia. 

Today in Beshumi village the PM met with the local population and spoke of his Government's efforts to improve the livelihood of people living in Georgia's mountain regions, stressing the recently adopted Mountain Law was proof of this effort. 

PM with locals. Photo by PM's webpage.

"One of the priorities of our Government is to strengthen our mountain regions. These regions are our pride and so we must take special care of the people living in the mountains," he said.  

"Three years ago, under former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili's initiative, we launched the mountain program and this is ongoing. We have adopted the new law on mountains and next year we will launch various useful programs in the highlands that will be beneficial for locals."

While speaking at the ceremony Garibashvili stressed that the Shuamtoba public holiday was a time where people came together and supported and celebrated one another. 

"Through unity and love we will achieve all these goals,” said the PM. 

PM spoke about the importance of unity in Beshumi. Photo by PM's webpage. 

Within this year's festivities, a folk concert, sport competitions and a horse race were performed to mark Shuamtoba. 

A folk concert dedicated to Shuamtoba holiday.Photo by PM's webpage.