Thousands celebrate Europe Day in Tbilisi

The celebrations started with the official opening of the event at Tbilisi’s Expo Georgia fairgrounds, where 16 member states of the European Union presented their cultures and traditions in the “Eurovillage”, with song and dance performances entertaining audiences. EU partners also showcased benefits created through the bloc’s assistance to Georgia over the years. Photo: EU Delegation to Georgia 

The event was officially opened by Irakli Garibashvili, the Georgian Prime Minister, Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Pawel Herczynski, the Ambassador of the European Union to the country. Photo: PM’s press office

Residents and visitors of Tbilisi joined the event to discover more about the European Union, participate in fun games and interactive activities, and taste food by Georgian farmers exhibiting their product under the theme of “Unique Georgian Taste”. Photo: EU Delegation to Georgia

In the latter part of the day, the new format “Storytelling Event: My Europe” gave the floor to 12 Georgian celebrities who shared their personal stories about connections with Europe. Georgian poet Rati Amaglobeli was among the speakers. Photo: EU Delegation to Georgia 

The celebrations continued on Orbeliani Square, which hosted Spain Day on Saturday  and Sweden Day on Sunday. Both festivities, with educational and entertaining activities and cultural performances, were organised by the Georgian Government Administration. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Visitors had a chance to experience Spain through its cuisine, culture and traditions during Spain Day on Saturday. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

A traditional paella and sangria masterclasses and tastings were hosted to highlight Spanish heritage, along with guitar performances and dance masterclasses. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Cognitive installations, exhibitions of flowers and traditional costumes were set up at the spot along with photo booths. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Dressed in national clothes, the hosts of Spanish dance masterclasses made an impression on the audience. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

This couple is trying to imitate moves of a Spanish dance following a masterclass. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Marcos Granados Gomez, the Charge d’Affaires of Spain to Georgia, also featured in the events on Orbeliani Square. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Spain Day was concluded with a performance of flamenco from various plays, with the troupe led by choreographer Antonio Gadès delighting the audience. Photo: PM’s press office 

Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvilebi also performed as a special guest of the event. Photo: PM’s press office

The first day of Europe Day celebrations concluded with the Peace Bridge and TV Tower of Tbilisi being illuminated in the colours of the European Union flag. Photo: Tbilisi City Hall

The celebrations continued on Sunday with Sweden Day. Photo: PM’s press office

A masterclass delivered by Swedish chef Gustav Leonhardt and his Georgian counterpart Ruso Daushvili offered visitors traditional dishes. Photo: PM’s press office

An exhibition and sale of books by Swedish authors was also organised. Photo: PM’s press office

The event also included an interactive corner of the famous Swedish fictional character Pippi Longstocking and a puppet theatre performing a play based on popular author Astrid Lindgren’s Karlsson-on-the-Roof.  Photo: PM's press office

Later the Swedish band Riltons Vänner took the stage. Photo: PM’s press office

Swedish folk singer Sofia Karlsson closed the event with her performance. Photo: PM’s press office