World’s iconic buildings light up for Georgia’s Independence Day

Countries all over the world have illuminated their iconic buildings in the colours of Georgia’s national flag to mark the 25th anniversary of Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union.

From Estonia to Australia, about a dozen countries shined red and white lights on important buildings to show their support and friendship for Georgia.

Last night as the day turned into night a business centre in Tallinn, Estonia, where Georgia’s Embassy is located, was illuminated in red and white. The Georgian Embassy opened its doors to Estonian officials and hosted a folk music concert as well as a presentation of some of Georgia’s most historic and iconic tourist areas.

A business centre in Tallinn, Estonia. Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

In Slovakia the Ljubljana Castle was lit up for Georgia. Georgia’s Embassy in Slovakia also held a reception for Slovak officials, diplomats and Georgian diaspora. The event included a photo exhibition depicting the restoration of Georgia’s independence. 

In Saudi Arabia red and white lights shined on the highest building of the country – The Kingdom Tower – in Jeddah. Georgia’s Embassy in Saudi Arabia is holding a festive reception marking Georgia’s Independence Day today. 

The Kingdom Tower. Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. 

Meanwhile in Australia's capital Canberra, the country’s old Parliament building shone brightly in red and white. There Georgia’s Embassy in Australia hosted a special reception for local authorities marking Georgia’s 25th anniversary of independence. There guests watched an exhibition about Georgia, tasted Georgian wine and food and received brochures about the country. 

Old Parliament of Australia. Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

In Lithuania, the Kaunas Resurrection Church was also illuminated in support of Georgia. Yesterday Lithuanian children made kites in the colours of the flags of Lithuania and Georgia. Georgia’s Embassy in Lithuania organised a photo exhibition titled 50 Women from Georgia.  

The Kaunas Resurrection Church. Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

On June 7 the Embassy will hold a reception where local guests will enjoy traditional Georgian folk music and sample Georgian wine and food. 

The Bosporus Bridge. Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

In Turkey the Bosporus Bridge was lit up for Georgia. For 40 minutes the colours flickered from red to white and back again.

In Hungary the Erzsebet Bridge shone red and white marking Georgia’s Independence Day and in Cyprus the Hilton Nicosia Hotel was also illuminated in Georgia’s state colours. 

The Kuwait Tower. Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

In Kuwait, Kuwait Tower was lit up for Georgia. 

The famous ‘Manneken Pis’ statue in Brussels, Belgium, was dressed in Georgia’s national costume, Choka, yesterday, and generated much attention from passers-by.