Georgian mountainous regions host Highlander Week
Highlander Week, an initiative of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the Georgian Government to promote the development of mountain localities and resorts, kicked off on July 16 in Omalo, in Georgia’s northern highland region of Tusheti, along with the local celebration - Tusheti Days. Photo: Kakhetis Mkhare/Facebook
The Week was officially opened by Garibashvili and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, with the former noting it was the “priority” of the Government to “give special significance" to highlands and recognising need for “more investment” in the areas. Photo: PM's press office
Garibashvili congratulated Tushetians on their local celebrations and wished them "peace, success and prosperity". Photo: PM's press office
For the first time, Days of Khinkali were organised within the festival, involving introductions of the history of the dumpling dish. Photo: Kakhetis Mkhare/Facebook
Celebrated chefs of Tusheti and Kazbegi – Levan Kobiashvili, Dimitry Sharashidze and Esma Kunchulia - held khinkali masterclasses together with local cooks. PM's wife Nunuka Tamazashvili also took part in a masterclass and tried to prepare Khihkali. Photo: PM's press office
Garibashvili also joined the masterclass and boiled Khinkali in a large pot. Photo: PM's press office
Arts and crafts were exhibited and sold on the festival grounds. Photo: Kakhetis Mkhare/Facebook
Ethnographic and educational corner offered masterclasses of knitting and weaving to visitors. Photo: Kakhetis Mkhare/Facebook
Garibashvili participated in a craft lesson organised as part of the festival. Photo: PM's press office
There was a special food zone, where visitors were able to taste local cuisine. Photo: Kakhetis Mkhare/Facebook
Tasting of local dishes was held and beer was also brewed on the spot. Photo: PM's press office
Sports activities and introductory tours were organised within the festival. Photo: Kakhetis Mkhare/Facebook
Popular musical artists and bands, including Chveneburebi and Lela Nakeuri, Bani, Goofy Land, Rezo and the Kids, and Nodariko Khutsishvili's band took to the stage and entertained visitors of the festival. Photo: Kakhetis Mkhare/Facebook
Young visitors of the Highlander Week taking photos of the event. Photo: Kakhetis Mkhare/Facebook
Visitors spent the night at a camping zone made for the festival participants. Photo: Kakhetis Mkhare/Facebook
Highlander Week will be held annually in the coming years. Photo: Kakhetis Mkhare/Facebook
The Week will continue in Mestia and Shovi in Georgia's Svaneti and Racha regions on July 23. Diverse entertainment and educational programmes will be offered to visitors, along with local cooking masterclasses and tasting. Photo: Giorgi Nikolava