Saint Mary's Day 2025
Date: August 28, 2025 (Thursday)
Country: Georgia Public Holidays
Description
Saint Marys Day in Georgia is a religious holiday that honors Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is a time for people to remember her importance in Christianity and her role as a spiritual mother to believers across the country.
The holiday takes place in late August, commonly observed on August 28 in the Georgian Orthodox calendar. This date marks a key feast in the church year linked to Marys place in Christian teaching and history.
The day is significant because Mary is deeply respected in Georgian faith and culture. She symbolizes care, protection, and devotion. For many Georgians the holiday reinforces community ties and a sense of shared religious identity.
Saint Marys Day also connects Georgians with the wider Orthodox world. It is one of the major Marian feasts, and its importance shows how religion, history, and national feeling come together in public life.
Traditions
On Saint Marys Day in Georgia people start with church services. They sing hymns, light many candles, and bring icons to be blessed. Small processions walk between the church and village squares carrying flowers and scarves.
Families gather after services for shared meals. Tables hold khachapuri, lobio, boiled corn, fresh cheese, and sweet honey cakes. Homemade wine and tea are poured while elders tell stories about family saints and ancestors.
Many households hang small embroidered cloths or icons over doorways. Some visit cemeteries to clean graves and leave bread or flowers. Children often receive small treats and join in singing and ringing bells near the church.
Travel Tips
Check opening hours for shops, museums, banks, and public offices. Expect many places to close or have short hours. Public transport can run on a holiday schedule, so plan routes and buy tickets in advance.
Arrive early for events and avoid main squares during peak times. Keep valuables safe in crowds and follow police or event staff instructions. Visit smaller neighborhoods, cafes, and parks to enjoy a quieter, meaningful experience.