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Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba (Georgian: მცხეთობა-სვეტიცხოვლობა) is an annual festival held on October 14 in the town of Mtskheta (Georgian: მცხეთა). The festival pays homage to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Georgian: სვეტიცხოველი) and is also a celebration of Mtskheta itself.

Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral stands on the site chosen by St. Nino as the place for the first church in Georgia. Built by architect Arsukidze in the early 11th century, it is one of the most sacred places in Georgia and the place where Christ’s robe is said to be buried.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Thousands of people attend the Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration each year and are entertained by traditional dancing, live music, demonstrations of traditional crafts and locally made food and crafts.

Dancers at the Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration

Dancers at the Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration

Located approximately 20 kilometers north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, Mtskheta is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, the “Historical Monuments of Mtskheta” became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Dancers at the Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration

Churchkhela at the Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration

A demonstration of traditional spinning at the Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration

Churchkhela at the Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration

Traditional crafts at the Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration

Dancers at the Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration

Mtskhetoba – Svetitskhovloba celebration

Photos courtesy of Mtskheta Municipality.

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