About Celebrations – Alilo Procession in Tbilisi 2015
Georgia marks Christmas according to the Julian Calendar and Christmas Day is celebrated on 7 January. On Christmas Day, Orthodox Christians throughout Georgia take part in a religious procession, called “Alilo”, as part of their Christmas celebrations.
“Alilo” procession in Tbilisi on 7 January 2015
Icons, crosses and banners are carried through the streets and gifts are distributed to the needy. The procession was banned during Soviet times but was restored in the 1990s.
“Alilo” procession in Tbilisi on 7 January 2015
The Alilo procession is named after a traditional Georgian Christmas carol.
“Alilo” procession in Tbilisi on 7 January 2015
“Alilo” procession in Tbilisi on 7 January 2015
“Alilo” procession in Tbilisi on 7 January 2015
“Alilo” procession in Tbilisi on 7 January 2015
“Alilo” procession in Tbilisi on 7 January 2015
“Alilo” procession in Tbilisi on 7 January 2015
The procession held in Tbilisi begins in Rose Revolution Square (Georgian: ვარდების რევოლუციის მოედანი) and moves down Rustaveli Avenue, through Freedom Square and ends at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Georgian: თბილისის წმინდა სამების საკათედრო ტაძარი), commonly known as Sameba (Georgian: სამება for Trinity).
“Alilo” procession in Tbilisi on 7 January 2015
“Alilo” procession in Tbilisi on 7 January 2015
All photos courtesy of Tbilisi City Hall.
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