May 26: Georgia marks 25th anniversary of independence from Soviet Union

Tomorrow is a big day for Georgia. The country will festively celebrate 25 years since it became independent from the Soviet Union.

Georgia has been invaded and overtaken several times in its more recent history.

Georgia established itself for the first time as an independent republic, under German and British protection, on May 26, 1918 following Russia’s collapse one year earlier in 1917.

However, Georgia’s independence was short-lived. In 1921 the country was re-invaded by Russia’s Bolshevik Army and absorbed into the Soviet Union. 

Georgia managed to regain its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Tomorrow will mark 25 years since this fateful date.

The country chose May 26 as its Independence Day; this was the day Georgia gained its freedom from Russia for the first time 98 years ago. 

A major public celebration will take place in capital Tbilisi tomorrow and in 12 other self-governing cities throughout the country.

Several roads in the central city have already been closed to traffic as final preparations are made and stage areas are set up. 

The closed roads are: Freedom Square, Rose Revolution Square and Rustaveli Ave.

These roads will remain closed tomorrow and the areas will be pedestrian access only.

May 26 schedule of events:

• A Flower Festival will be held from 11am to 9pm at Freedom Square; 
• An oath taking ceremony of recruits will take place at 12pm at Freedom Square;
• Project Drois Ambavi (A Matter of Time) will be presented at 1pm on Rustaveli Ave; 
• Pantomime street performances will take place from 12-12.40pm, 3-3.40pm and 6-6.40pm at Freedom Square, Rustaveli Ave and Rose Revolution Square; 
• An exhibition of historic artifacts will be held from 12-5pm at Rustaveli Theatre; 
• Street theatre performances will also take place from 2-2.30pm on Rustaveli Ave. 

Tomorrow’s celebration is sure to excite people of all ages. Throughout the day guests can enjoy a range of performances, ranging from children’s shows to electronic DJ sets.

Guests will also be able to sample a range of Georgia’s agricultural products and enjoy traditional and global sport shows. 

At Freedom Square there will be an exhibition of military vehicles, including United States Abrams Bradley military vehicles which were recently used in the NATO-Georgia Noble Partner exercises. 

Similar celebrations, including military exhibitions, are planned for Georgian regions.