Victory Day in Georgia
Georgia observes Victory Day on May 9, officially called Victory Day over Fascism in the Labour Code. The day remembers the defeat of Nazi Germany and the people from Georgia who served and died in the Second World War.[1][2]
A public holiday under Georgian law
Georgia’s Labour Code lists May 9 among the country’s holidays. It treats work performed on a listed holiday as overtime, with compensation determined under the Code. The law does not specify a substitute day when May 9 falls on a weekend.[1]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ diplomatic list calls May 9 the Day of Victory over Nazism. The differing wording reflects two official names for the observance: the Labour Code uses “Victory Day over Fascism,” while the diplomatic list uses “Victory over Nazism.” Both identify May 9.[1][3]
What the day commemorates
The State Veterans Affairs Service describes the Second World War as lasting from 1939 to 1945 and says the German-Soviet war began in June 1941. It reports that about 700,000 soldiers and volunteers from Georgia took part, and that more than 300,000 did not return from the front. These figures are the agency’s account of the wartime toll.[2]
The service explains the date by noting that the war in Europe ended with Germany’s surrender on May 8, 1945, or May 9 by Moscow time. Georgia’s official holiday name and date thus connect the national commemoration to the Allied victory over Nazi Germany.[1][2]
Commemorations across the country
Official examples show ceremonies centered on remembrance at memorials. The State Veterans Affairs Service reported that a Tbilisi ceremony included government and public representatives and veterans laying flowers at a bust honoring Meliton Kantaria and paying tribute to those who died in the Second World War. The report says the event was held at Veterans’ Culture and Recreation Park, also known as Kikvidze Park, while Vake Park was undergoing rehabilitation.[2]
Commemorations also take place outside the capital. In Kutaisi, the city’s official account describes the mayor, other local officials and a member of parliament laying flowers at the Glory Memorial and honoring Second World War heroes. These reports establish memorial ceremonies in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, but do not show that every municipality follows the same programme.[2][4]
Planning for the day
The legal status means employees who work on May 9 are covered by the Labour Code’s holiday overtime provision. Check opening hours with the office or business before you go, and check with the transport operator before you travel that day.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Victory Day in Georgia?
It is observed every year on May 9. The Labour Code names it Victory Day over Fascism.[1]
Is it a public holiday and a day off?
May 9 is a holiday listed in Georgia’s Labour Code. If an employee works that day, the law classifies the work as overtime; check your employer’s schedule for individual arrangements.[1]
Is there a substitute day when May 9 falls on a weekend?
The Labour Code does not specify a substitute day for May 9.[1]
Where can visitors see commemorations?
Are shops, banks and public transport open as usual?
Check opening hours with the business before you go, and check schedules with the transport operator before you travel.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Victory Day in Georgia:
- ORGANIC LAW OF GEORGIA – LABOUR CODE OF GEORGIA- Legislative Herald of Georgia (Matsne)
- ფაშიზმზე გამარჯვებიდან 76 წელი- State Veterans Affairs Service of Georgia
- DIPLOMATIC LIST (Georgian National Holidays section)- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
- 9 მაისი ფაშიზმზე გამარჯვების დღე- Kutaisi Municipality