Locations and sights in cities of Europe have been illuminated in the Georgian national colours to mark Independence Day and the centennial of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia today.
Marking the dual date and in recognition of partnership between countries, red-and-white lighting has lit up monuments and buildings from Ljubljana, Slovenia to Brussels, Belgium.
In the Slovenian capital, the Medieval castle above the city found itself in the coloured spotlight.
A bridge over the Neris River in Vilnius. Photo: Georgian Embassy in Lithuania.
In Vilnius, Lithuania, bridges over the Neris River and the hilltop Three Crosses monument was selected for the symbolic tribute.
In Brussels, the trademark monument of Manneken-Pis was dressed in Georgian national costume chokha, a move that has become customary for annual May 26 date.
The Ljubljana castle illuminated in Georgia’s national colours. Photo: Georgia’s foreign ministry press office.
Other locations joining the celebration include Lisbon, Portugal and Tartu, Estonia, while Canada’s capital Ottawa will be involved in the symbolic gesture on the other side of the Atlantic.
The Georgian people will also receive congratulations in the South Korean capital Seoul, the United States Congress and the United Nations offices in New York.
The Three Crosses monument in Vilnius. Photo: Georgian Embassy in Lithuania.
Among the occasions paying homage to the 1918 date, Georgian state vocal ensemble Batumi will host around 80 service members of the Georgian Armed Forces for a concert in Germany, before their departure for the NATO peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan.
Beyond today’s celebrations, cultural events and receptions will welcome guests and participants of the 100th anniversary of the independence date in Georgia and abroad throughout the year.