Mtskheturi pie, rtveli harvest among Georgia’s newly designated intangible cultural heritage

Traditional meals from south-west Georgia, scientific heritage from the west of the country and the annual grape harvest are among latest entries to be added to the national registry of intangible cultural heritage.

The new designations were made public on Wednesday, following legislative initiatives from the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation last month, and recognise intangible objects such as the traditions and rituals of the Georgian wheat culture and the heritage of the historical Gelati Academy of Sciences in the west.

Among the new additions is the culinary culture of the historical south-western region of Meskheti, with the locality’s notable apokhti dish - made from salted and dried meat - entering the registry.

The annual fall tradition of rtveli - the popular grape vintage and harvest season involving local communities - and the tradition of making the Mtskheturi pie, a meat-filled dish originating in the locality of the historical capital of Mtskheta, have also been granted the status. 

Finally, rituals, songs and customs related to batonebi - the common name for contagious children's diseases such as rubella, measles and whooping cough - has also been recognised for its enduring place in folklore. 

The national registry of intangible cultural heritage includes over 60 traditions, experiences and sights.