Kutaisoba: Georgia’s 3rd largest city celebrates city day with camomiles

The streets of Georgia’s third largest city Kutaisi have come alive today as the city marks Gviriloba – an annual festival celebrating the vibrant history and cultural diversity of Kutaisi.

 ‘Gviriloba’ comes for the Georgian word for camomile (‘gvirila’ in Georgian) and the traditional celebration stems from the 19th century when Kutaisi schoolgirls used to sell camomiles for charity. They used to donate the raised money to help those with tuberculosis.

Every year on May 2 at the beginning of the 20th century, secondary- school girls were selling camomiles in the boulevard. A buyer of these flowers would automatically become a participant in the charity event that aimed to help the people suffering from tuberculosis. Photo: Bar-Restaurant Palaty/Facebook

 People from all over the Imereti region in western Georgia are attending the two-day festival, which hosts several outdoor concerts of traditional music and dancing, flea markets and a number of other cultural events. Visitors can also sample traditional wine and food.

 The diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia also visited Kutaisi to celebrate the traditional holiday. British Ambassador Justin McKenzie Smith took to Twitter to share his impressions.

Celebrating #Kutaisi Day today. Named after camomiles sold for charity since 19th century. #Gviriloba2017pic.twitter.com/WQyB2bR6sh

— Justin McKenzieSmith (@JustinMcKenzieS) May 2, 2017

2 May is #Kutaisi Day. Enduring ties with #Newport#Wales. #directflights from June. pic.twitter.com/f7ZYyidzNC

— Justin McKenzieSmith (@JustinMcKenzieS) May 2, 2017

Kutaisi Mayor Shota Murghulia encouraged people to join in the celebrations with families as this year’s festival program will see many events to entertain adults as well as kids.