Tbilisoba 2023 in photos: city festival celebrates history, traditions

Rike Park, Orbeliani Square and Abanotubani were the major locations for the festival, while Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography also hosted several activities. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Traditionally, big supras, or the traditional Georgian feast, hosted visitors at different locations in the city. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

An installation of Georgia supra. Those behind the idea said the Tbilisi supra tradition was “a kind of allegory of time travel”. The table was served with the style of different eras to tell a history of the country from the 19th century to the present day. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Making mtsvadi, a Georgian barbeque made from fresh meat on a skewer, in the streets is one of the most recognised part of the celebration. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Tbilisoba also serves the idea of reviving and bringing passages from the old lifestyle into the present. A man riding a horse with carriage offered people rides in the area around Metekhi Bridge. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge 

Visitors of the festival could enjoy local folk dances and music. This photo shows men dancing khorumi – a traditional Georgian battle dance - at Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography. Photo: Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography

The festival event at the Museum included folklore performances, tasting of Georgian local cuisine and wine and workshops in traditional crafts, and was attended by the Georgian Culture Minister Thea Tsulukiani. Photo: Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography

Dressed in traditional Georgian costumes, ensembles performed folk songs at the Museum. Photo: Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography

There were several stages at the Tbilisoba festival where different artists hosted performances. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Counters sold jewellery, T-shirts, hand-knitted toys and other items to visitors. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Wreaths made of flowers were one of the most favourite accessories among visitors of this year's festival. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

In addition to musical and dance performances, various decorations and installations, gastronomic and wine tasting, this year’s festival programme also included children’s attractions and sports activities. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Wrestling, as one of the traditional and oldest sports in Georgia, was presented at this year's festival. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Disney characters welcomed children and entertained them at different locations of the event. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

A man holding a parrot with outstretched wings and inviting passers-by to take photos. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

At the end of the festival Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze awarded 26 public figures - including artists, doctors and academics - with the title of the Honorary Citizen. This photo shows Kaladze presenting the award to popular actor Murman Jinoria. Photo: Tbilisi City Hall

The award ceremony ended with a gala concert of Georgian artists. Photo: Tbilisi City Hall

Tbilisoba was first marked in 1979 and soon became one of the country’s popular celebrations while attracting thousands of people and hosting events from mid-morning until late in the evening. Photo: Tbilisi City Hall