How are Georgian towns celebrating Independence Day?

Cities and towns across Georgia are celebrating Independence Day with exhibitions of military hardware, shows and educational activities on Thursday.

Local authorities and citizens in the third largest city of Kutaisi laid a wreath at the monument of the late National Hero Merab Kostava, with the 83th anniversary of the birth of one of the leaders of the national liberation movement in Georgia during the late Soviet Union being also marked on the day.

Photo: Kutaisi City Hall/Facebook

In the eastern province of Kakheti, municipal officials laid flowers at the Telavi city memorial of the heroes who died in conflicts for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. Entertainment and educational events, a display of military hardware and folklore concerts were also hosted in Telavi.

Photo: Telavi City Hall/Facebook

Military hardware was also exhibited in the centre of the central-eastern city of Rustavi, with visitors invited to participate in various sports activities, watch theatre performances and take a look at handicrafts exhibitions.

Photo: Rustavi City Hall/Facebook.

Historical materials of relations between Georgia and the European Union were exhibited in the western city of Zugdidi, with an open-air cafe set up in the city centre for the annual celebration.

Photo: Zugdidi City Hall/Facebook

Georgia’s Black Sea resort city of Batumi marked the celebration with its own exhibition of military equipment, in addition to events at the Alphabetic Tower landmark.

Photo: Batumi City Hall/Facebook

Georgia's eastern town of Gori has been celebrating the day with concerts and various exhibitions.

Photo: Gori City Hall/Facebook

Gala concerts are planned to conclude the celebrations in all major cities of Georgia.