Day: May 26, 2026

Georgia marks Independence Day on May 26, with planned events ranging from official ceremonies in Tbilisi and across the country to an opposition-led protest march later in the capital.

On May 26, 1918, Georgia’s National Council adopted the Act of Independence in Tbilisi, establishing the Georgian Democratic Republic (First Republic), widely regarded as Europe’s first Social Democratic rule. Emerging on the ashes of the Tsarist Empire, which had annexed Georgian kingdoms in the 19th century, the republic was also the product of decades of debate, political activism, and intellectual work, reflecting compromises forged among Georgia’s political and intellectual circles. The short-lived, but vibrant democratic experiment collapsed in the wake of the Red Army’s invasion of 1921, but left a lasting legacy. 70 years later, on April 9, 1991, Georgia declared the restoration of its independence based on the May 26, 1918, act.

The day finds the country amid a prolonged political crisis, divisions, and widespread international isolation, as the Georgian Dream government continues to struggle to secure full domestic and international legitimacy following a democratic crackdown and a series of anti-Western moves.

The date will be marked by traditional public events beginning early in the morning at Liberty Square. Georgian Dream government officials are expected to address the public, while military service recruits are set to take the traditional oath in Tbilisi and twelve “historic locations” across Georgia, followed by a ceremonial flyover by military aircraft.

Public celebrations – starting from around 11 am – are expected to remain largely confined to the Orbeliani area surrounding the presidential palace, as Rustaveli Avenue, the former main venue for the festivities, has been hosting continuous protests since late 2024.

This year’s public celebrations will also be tied to the theme of the 1,700th anniversary of Georgia’s adoption of Christianity as the “state religion.” Government buildings have been decorated with respective “1,700” banners and portraits of late Patriarch Ilia II alongside the national flags.

Opposition Alliance, uniting nine political parties, announced a large Independence Day march in Tbilisi on March 31 to culminate their “national mobilization” campaign. The march will start after 7 pm at Tbilisi State University and end at the parliament. Various civic and activist groups announced joining the march, but the Alliance representatives said that they received rejections both from Tbilisi City Hall and the Interior Ministry over planned events, including setting up the stage or other constructions near the parliament.

More to follow…

Also Read:

• 27/05/2025 – Georgians Celebrate Independence Day
• 27/05/2025 – Photo Story | Georgia’s Independence Day, May 26, 2025