Georgia's main New Year tree was lit up in central Tbilisi in front of the parliament building on Friday, with Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze attending the festive ceremony.
At the ceremony, Kaladze addressed the public wishing residents of the capital and everyone “peace, health and longevity”.
Life, love, solidarity, peace - these are the values that people in any city of the world wish for themselves and, of course, for their loved ones. [...] Let's all wish for these and light the Christmas tree of the capital as a symbol of a new life and a happy future”, Kaladze said.
Photo: Tbilisi City Hall
The Mayor stressed the importance of celebrating the New Year and Christmas, despite the “serious challenges” in the world and the region. Kaladze cited the famous Georgian poet Lado Asatiani - “we never give up on life, even when we struggle, we never give up hope for a better future, we never stop dreaming, and we never give up on development and progress”.
New Year's decorations have been lit up in other districts of Tbilisi as well.
Tbilisi City Hall announced that a ‘New Year Village’ will open on December 23 at Orbeliani Square, Atoneli Street and the 9th of April Park and will host daily entertainment events until January 13.