New Year’s Day in Georgia
Georgia’s Labour Code names January 1 and 2 as New Year holidays. The January 1 celebration is marked by family feasts and customs such as welcoming a mekvle, a chosen first visitor believed to bring good fortune.[1][2]
A two-day public holiday
Article 30 of Georgia’s Labour Code lists January 1 and 2 as New Year holidays. It also says that work performed on these holidays is treated as overtime, with compensation determined under the Code’s overtime provisions.[1]
The law names the dates but does not set out an automatic substitute weekday when a holiday falls on a weekend. It allows an employee to request other rest days under an employment agreement.[1]
New Year and the first visitor
The main celebration begins on December 31 and welcomes the new calendar year at midnight. Georgia also observes Old New Year on January 14, a tradition that Georgia’s national tourism authority connects with the Julian and Gregorian calendars.[2]
A familiar custom is the mekvle: a respected person chosen to be the first visitor to a household at New Year. The visitor brings sweets or other treats, and the family welcomes them in the hope that their arrival will bring abundance and well-being. In Adjara, the first-footer is also called mperkhavi.[2]
The New Year’s table
A New Year supra, or feast, is a central part of the celebration. Satsivi, poultry served with walnut sauce, is a customary centrepiece, while gozinaki, a sweet made from nuts and honey, is associated especially with New Year.[3]
Food traditions vary by region. Georgia’s tourism authority describes crescent-shaped pies made with cheese and boiled egg in Guria for Kalanda, or Old New Year, and notes distinct festive dishes in regions including Racha, Tusheti, Khevsureti, Samegrelo and Adjara.[3]
What to expect as a visitor
The Labour Code confirms the public-holiday dates and overtime status. Check opening hours with the shop, bank, office or transport operator before you go.[1]
New Year’s Day in Georgia: FAQs
When is New Year’s Day in Georgia?
New Year’s Day is January 1. Georgia’s Labour Code also lists January 2 as a New Year holiday.[1]
Is January 1 a public holiday?
Yes. The Labour Code names January 1 and 2 as New Year holidays. Work performed on those holidays is treated as overtime under the Code.[1]
Is there a substitute day if January 1 falls on a weekend?
Article 30 does not specify an automatic substitute weekday; employee rest-day arrangements may be set by employment agreement.[1]
Are shops and public transport open?
Check with individual businesses and transport operators before travelling.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Georgia:
- ORGANIC LAW OF GEORGIA – LABOUR CODE OF GEORGIA- Legislative Herald of Georgia (Matsne)
- Two New Year’s Eves and More…- Georgian National Tourism Administration (Georgia Travel)
- New Year’s Supra- Georgian National Tourism Administration (Georgia Travel)