Novruz celebrations in Georgia / Galleries / Media - Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso Transeuropa

Novruz celebrations in Georgia

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25 March 2025

Last week, the ethnic Azerbaijani community of Georgia celebrated the annual Novruz festival, the coming of Spring. Photos and texts by Onnik James Krikorian

The weather, wet and overcast, was not ideal for the events in Marneuli and Tbilisi. In the Georgian capital, the event was organised by the Tbilisi Municipality, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Mirza Fatali Akhundov Museum of Azerbaijani Culture. Some ambassadors from Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey also attended.

The festival has ancient roots, dating back over 3,000 years with origins in Zoroastrianism, and is celebrated in many countries across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and elsewhere. It symbolises renewal, hope, and the rejuvenation of nature.

Azerbaijani Ambassador Faig Guliyev and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze were among those that lit the traditional Novruz bonfire erected in front of the stage on which various musicians and dancers from Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and the ethnic Azerbaijani community performed. Those countries also celebrating Novruz had stands where they showcased both culture and cuisine.

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Azerbaijani Ambassador Faig Guliyev and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze light the tradition Novruz fire in the historical Abanotubani district of Tbilisi.
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Fire plays an important role in Azerbaijani culture and during Novruz, like elsewhere, it also represents purification.
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An ethnic Azerbaijani plays saz, a traditional musical instrument in the South Caucasus and surrounding region, in Old Tbilisi.
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Ethnic Azerbaijanis dressed up as Kosa and Kechal, two comical figures in Azerbaijani culture. One represents Winter and the other Summer.
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Dancers from the Jeiran Dance Ensemble made up of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Georgia perform at the Novruz festival.
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A dancer from the Jeiran Dance Ensemble poses for a selfie.
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Those attending the Novruz festival included Azerbaijanis, Georgians, and nationals of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Central Asia and elsewhere.
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The Jeiran Dance Ensemble has become a regular feature of celebrating Novruz throughout Georgia and also some times at the city’s Tbilisoba festival.
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Ethnic Azerbaijani dancers from the Jeiran Dance Ensemble in traditional costume.
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Georgian Dancers also performed at this year’s celebration of Novruz organised by the Tbilisi Municipality, Azerbaijani Embassy, and Akhundov Cultural Museum.
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Also performing at the Novruz celebration were singers and musicians from Central Asia where the holiday is also marked.
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An ethnic Azerbaijani sits besides a weaving loom to represent the tradition of oriental carpet weaving.
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Semeni, grass grown from wheat, is a traditional symbol of Novruz.
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An ethnic Azerbaijani stands by the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the Novruz festival in Old Tbilisi.