Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba

Name: Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba
Start: 2025-10-13
End: 2025-10-14
Location: Mtskheta

A Sacred Festival of Faith and Tradition in Georgia

2025/10/13 - 2025/10/14

Every autumn, the ancient city of Mtskheta in Georgia comes alive with the festival of Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba. Beneath the golden Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the air is filled with incense smoke, the sound of bells, and the prayers and blessings of thousands. This festival is a special day where solemn religious ceremonies blend with lively folk celebrations. Pilgrims, families, and travelers from across Georgia and abroad gather to experience faith, tradition, and the bonds of the community.

Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba is held annually in mid-October and is perfect for those who want to experience Georgia’s deep Christian culture and the atmosphere of a historic town. Whether you are religious, a history lover, or simply want to feel the soul of the old capital, an unforgettable experience awaits you.

Main Attractions

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Religious Ceremonies

The heart of the festival is the grand liturgy at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture and one of the holiest sites in the Eastern Orthodox world. Inside the stone cathedral, choral hymns echo, the scent of beeswax candles and incense drifts through the air, and the faithful line up to venerate sacred relics. The clergy, dressed in ornate vestments, process with icons and banners—a sight that is both solemn and beautiful, leaving a deep impression on all who witness it.

Folk Performances and Outdoor Festival

Outside the cathedral, the city of Mtskheta becomes a festival ground. The sounds of traditional instruments and folk songs fill the air, dancers in colorful costumes perform on outdoor stages, and artisan crafts and souvenirs line the cobbled streets. Children’s laughter, clapping, and the sweet aroma of roasting meat and churchkhela (walnut and grape candy) create a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

Key Events

Highlights include the blessing of the harvest, public feasts, and performances by regional folk ensembles. There are historical plays, storytelling sessions about Mtskheta’s legends, and popular workshops on icon painting and traditional crafts. As dusk falls, the cathedral is illuminated, and candles and lanterns light up the city, creating a peaceful space for prayer and blessing.

Costumes and Decorations

Clergy wear beautifully embroidered vestments, and folk performers appear in regional costumes adorned with sashes, beads, and scarves. The city and cathedral are decorated with fresh flowers, grapevines, and colorful banners. The feel of stone, the gleam of golden icons, and the scents of incense and freshly baked bread stimulate all five senses.

Traditional Food & Drink

Festival stalls offer khinkali (dumplings), mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers), lobio (bean stew), freshly baked bread, and churchkhela. The aroma of grilled meat, herbs, and sweet pastries fills the air, and local wine is served. Every table is a place to pray for health and abundance and to share the region’s bounty.

Cultural and Historical Background

Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba is a festival rooted in Georgia’s oldest Christian traditions, commemorating the miracle of the “Life-Giving Pillar” (Svetitskhoveli) and the city’s history as a religious center. This festival, which dates back to the Middle Ages, attracts pilgrims from all over the country, who pray before the cathedral’s relics and wish for blessings on the harvest and the new year.

For Georgians, Mtskhetoba is not just a religious event but a symbol of national unity, spiritual renewal, and cultural pride. Its traditional rituals are passed down through generations, and Mtskheta remains the “cradle of Georgian Orthodoxy” and a spiritual home for many. Today, it is also cherished as a time for families, friends, and communities to come together and reconnect with their roots.

Participant Voices

"I’ll never forget attending Mtskhetoba with my grandmother. We lit candles together, listened to the choir, and she told me stories of the cathedral from her childhood—it was a time that deeply connected me to my roots." — Nino (Tbilisi)

"I’m not Orthodox, but I was deeply moved by the beauty of the ceremony and the warmth of the people. Sharing bread and wine with locals after the service was the highlight of my trip." — Alex (visitor from the UK)

"Mtskhetoba is a time for family reunion. Every year, my cousins and I gather in Mtskheta, watch the parade, and join the folk dances. I hope to pass this tradition on to my own children one day." — Giorgi (Rustavi)

Fun Facts

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is said to house the Robe of Christ, making it one of the holiest places in the Orthodox world.
Mtskheta was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Iberia until the 5th century.
The festival’s name combines “Mtskhetoba” (Day of Mtskheta) and “Svetitskhovloba” (Day of the Life-Giving Pillar).
This festival is registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Georgia.

Festival Dates

Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba is held every year on October 14–15 in Mtskheta. For details, check the Georgian Orthodox Church calendar or local tourism information.