Saint George’s Day in Georgia
Saint George’s Day, known in Georgia as Giorgoba, falls on November 23 and is a statutory public holiday. Georgia’s State Agency for Religious Issues describes it as a commemoration of Saint George’s torture on a wheel and identifies him as the country’s patron saint.[1][2]
A public holiday under Georgian law
Georgia’s Labour Code lists November 23 as St. George’s Day among the country’s holidays. The Code says that work performed on a listed holiday is treated as overtime, with compensation determined under the relevant Labour Code provisions. It does not say that every workplace must close, so arrangements can vary by employer.[1]
The law gives the date a clear status in Georgia’s employment calendar. The country’s diplomatic list also includes St. George’s Day among Georgian national holidays, but the Labour Code is the source that sets out the employment provisions.[1][3]
Giorgoba and Saint George in Georgia
The State Agency for Religious Issues describes November 23 as the day commemorating Saint George’s torture on a wheel. It calls Saint George the patron of Georgia and notes the special reverence he receives there. These details give Giorgoba a specifically Georgian religious and cultural meaning alongside its status as a public holiday.[2]
The agency also reports a folk expression that speaks of 365 churches and chapels named for Saint George. It explains that the expression refers to places of worship dedicated to the saint. This is a reported popular saying, not a verified count of churches, and should not be read as a literal national inventory.[2]
Observance and practical planning
The official account identifies Giorgoba as a celebration of the Georgian Orthodox Church, but it does not provide a nationwide programme or establish particular family customs, foods, or regional events. Those details should not be assumed to be uniform across Georgia.[2]
For employees, November 23 is a statutory holiday, and work that day is treated as overtime under the Labour Code. Visitors should check opening hours with banks, shops, schools and tourist sites, and transport schedules with the relevant provider.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Saint George’s Day a public holiday in Georgia?
Yes. The Labour Code lists November 23 as St. George’s Day and treats work performed on listed holidays as overtime.[1]
When is Giorgoba observed?
Does everyone get the day off?
The Labour Code establishes November 23 as a holiday for employees. Work performed on the holiday is treated as overtime.[1]
Are banks, shops, or transport open?
Banks, shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.
Sources and references
Sources used for Saint George's Day in Georgia:
- ORGANIC LAW OF GEORGIA – LABOUR CODE OF GEORGIA- Legislative Herald of Georgia (Matsne)
- საქართველოს მართლმადიდებელი ეკლესია გიორგობის დღესასწაულს აღნიშნავს- State Agency for Religious Issues of Georgia
- DIPLOMATIC LIST (Georgian National Holidays section)- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia