Georgia's Independence Day: A story of perseverance and freedom

Every year on May 26, Georgians celebrate Independence Day, marking the moment in 1918 when Georgia declared its freedom from the Russian Empire. On this occasion, let’s take a look at Georgia’s past and its journey to freedom.

The years of the Russian Empire

It all began with the annexation of Georgia to the Russian Empire in the 19th century. For more than a decade, the Russian Empire ruled Georgia until the Russian Revolution of 1917. The revolution began during the World War I to abolish the monarchy and adopt a socialist system of government.

The first years of independence

After the revolution, in 1918, the Transcaucasian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (Transcaucasian SSR or SFSR) was formed, with Tbilisi as its capital. It was a union of most of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as parts of Russia and Turkey. This state lasted only a month, as Georgia declared its independence on 26 May of that year. This freedom as well was short-lived, as a few years later, in 1921, Georgia was annexed by the Soviet Union.

Independence in the hearts of the people

Georgia was under Soviet control for almost 70 years. During this time, Georgian identity was degraded, but the spirit of independence always lived in the hearts of the people. In the late 1980s, as the Soviet Union began to weaken, nationalist movements in Georgia gained strength. On 9 April 1991, Georgia once again declared its independence, which became official when the Soviet Union collapsed later that year. However, May 26th remained the Independence Day, while April 9th was declared National Unity, Political Agreement and Remembrance Day. Both holidays are national holidays and are celebrated every year.

How do Georgians celebrate Independence Day?

This is a day of celebration for all of Georgia and for Georgians in every corner of the world. The celebrations are very impressive and include parades, concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, traditional Supra (a Georgian feast) and of course lots of fireworks! At 05:10 PM, the national anthem is played everywhere, as this is the historic hour when the country’s freedom was declared.

Greece stands by Georgia

Greece was one of the first countries to recognize and support Georgia as an independent state. Since much earlier, of course, the two countries have had very strong cultural and educational ties, as well as political and economic relations.

PayLink – Western Union is always there for Georgians, offering fast and easy money transfer toGeorgia at low rates! Don’t forget that you can take advantage of the special rates for sending money to Georgia at the points of service you will find here or send money:

• online by clicking here 
• via the PayLink – Western Union app 
• at one of the 1,400 service points throughout Greece