Month of Francophonie celebrating French culture across Georgia
French chefs meet Georgian monks for a culinary exchange event during the Francophonie month. Photo: Barbarestan restaurant on Facebook.
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Cities across Georgia are in the midst of celebrating the Month of Francophonie in the country, with students, teachers, readers, cinema fans and culinary enthusiasts flocking to dozens of activities and events marking everything related to French culture.
In five cities — capital Tbilisi, Patardzeuli in the east and Kutaisi, Batumi and Lanchkhuti representing western Georgia — schools, universities, theatre venues and other locations are involved in the festivities.
Organisers see the annual festivity as an opportunity for Georgian francophones to “learn about or rediscover” French culture and language.
French cultural agencies are introducing the country’s cuisine in events held in more than 150 countries this month, including during the Month of Francophonie in Georgia:
⚡️ “Goût de / Good France 2019” ????️ @good_france #GoodFrance
— France Diplomatie???????? (@francediplo) March 21, 2019
Aujourd'hui, nos ambassades et consulats fêtent la #gastronomie française dans le monde entier : une belle manière de célébrer l'art culinaire à la française. https://t.co/2Bqy98N8kk
The month-long programme has attractions for cinema enthusiasts, inviting them to screenings of works by French, Canadian, Swiss and Romanian directors, as well as sessions of animation cinema and films for young audiences.
Those more interested in literary creations are finding meetings with personalities from the field in the calendar, in addition to attending presentations and public talks. Primary school and university students — as well as their teachers of French — are taking part in competitions centred around the language.
A particular focus is placed on culinary cultural exchange during the month, which coincides with an international event seeing chefs prepare a “French dinner” in over 150 countries on five continents, including Georgian cities of Tbilisi and Batumi.
Jean-Pierre Xiradakis, known for his international promotion of south-west French cuisine, and Franck Audu are the two chefs selected for the Georgian edition of global event.
Jean-Pierre Xiradakis (centre), celebrated French culinary professional, is in Georgia for the cuisine-themed activities of the celebration. Photo: Archives Bonnaud Guillaume.
They are preparing meals using produce made in Georgia during the Francophonie month, in addition to speaking at master classes regarding sustainable gastronomy.
Xiradakis and Audu are also learning about Georgian culinary culture, particularly produce made at remote monasteries, by joining monks of the Alaverdi Monastery in Kakheti in preparing a meal using local seasonal products.
Tasting of French wine, workshops for felt textile craft, musical concerts and many other activities and events are in the full programme for this year’s celebration.
The Month of Francophonie in Georgia is held between March 8-30.