Georgia is a captivating country in the Caucasus region where ancient traditions meet stunning mountain landscapes and world-class wine culture. From the charming cobblestone streets of Tbilisi to the dramatic peaks of the Greater Caucasus, Georgia offers extraordinary hospitality, unique cuisine, and eight millennia of winemaking heritage.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Georgian hospitality (st'umartmoqvareba) is a core cultural value - guests are considered sacred and hosts may go to great lengths to provide food, wine, and comfort
The supra (feast) with its elaborate toasts led by a tamada (toastmaster) is the heart of Georgian social life - being invited to one is an honor not to decline
Georgians are intensely proud of their ancient culture, language, and wine heritage - showing genuine interest and respect for these will open many doors
The concept of time is flexible - invitations for a specific time often mean arriving 30-60 minutes later is acceptable in social settings (not for business)
Religious observance is important to many Georgians - the Orthodox church plays a central role in public life, and major religious holidays affect business and transport
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Accept food and wine when offered - refusing can be considered impolite; try everything at least once
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home - look for shoes at the door as your cue
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries - cover shoulders, knees, and for women, head with a scarf
- Engage in toasting culture at Georgian meals - raise your glass and make sincere toasts to hosts, friends, and Georgia
- Learn a few Georgian phrases - Georgians are delighted when foreigners attempt their unique language
- Accept invitations to Georgian homes and supras - these are rare privileges offering authentic cultural immersion
Don't
- Don't photograph inside Orthodox churches without permission - services are sacred and photography can be disrespectful
- Don't refuse chacha (Georgian spirit) from a host without a polite explanation - it can be seen as rejecting hospitality
- Don't joke about or criticize Georgia's territorial integrity, Abkhazia, or South Ossetia - these are deeply sensitive political wounds
- Don't make negative comparisons to Russia - while relationships are complex, unsolicited comments about Russian culture can be unwelcome
- Don't photograph military installations, police, or border areas - this is illegal and can lead to detention
- Don't haggle aggressively in markets or with local vendors - polite negotiation is fine, but aggressive bargaining damages the hospitable atmosphere
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Supra (Georgian Feast)
The supra is far more than a meal - it is a ritual celebration of life, friendship, and Georgian identity led by the tamada (toastmaster) who delivers elaborate toasts in a specific order, beginning with God, then Georgia, then the hosts and guests.
Polyphonic Singing (Mravalzhamier)
Georgian polyphonic singing is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Traditional three-part harmonies are sung at supras, ceremonies, and celebrations. Participating or being serenaded is a profound cultural experience.
Churchkhela Making
Churchkhela production is a traditional autumn ritual tied to grape harvest season. Families string walnuts onto thread and dip them in thickened grape juice (tatara) multiple times, creating the sausage-shaped candy that sustains through winter.
Easter (Aghmashenebeli) Celebrations
Georgian Orthodox Easter is the most important religious event of the year, with midnight candlelit processions, church services, and family gatherings. Visitors are often welcomed to observe the candle-lighting ceremony.
New Year (Alilo) Procession
Alilo is a traditional Georgian New Year procession where singers walk through neighborhoods singing carols, collecting food for the poor. The tradition was revived after independence and is now a beloved public celebration.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshakes are standard between men; women may exchange kisses on the cheek with people they know. Gamarjoba (hello) is always warmly received. Georgian men often address elders respectfully.
- Dining
- Wait for the tamada (toastmaster) to make the first toast before drinking; don't fill your own glass but do fill others'; try every dish offered; complimenting the food and host is important
- Dress
- Smart casual is fine for most restaurants and social occasions; modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) required for all churches and religious sites; beach resort wear only at beaches
- Gifts
- Bringing wine, sweets, or flowers when invited to a Georgian home is customary; don't give a gift of just one flower (for funerals); wrap gifts nicely and they may be opened later
- Business
- Business culture is relationship-driven - meetings often begin with personal conversation; business cards are exchanged respectfully; punctuality is valued in formal business settings
- Tipping
- 10-15% is customary at sit-down restaurants; rounding up is appreciated for taxis; not expected at cafes and fast food; hotel staff tips appreciated for exceptional service
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
გამარჯობა (Gamarjoba)
Hello
ga-mar-JO-ba
გმადლობთ (Gmadlobt)
Thank you
gma-DLOPT
გთხოვთ (Gtkhhovt)
Please
g-TKHHOVT
კი (Ki)
Yes
kee
არა (Ara)
No
AH-rah
გაუმარჯოს! (Gaumarjos!)
Cheers / To your health!
ga-u-mar-JOS
რა ღირს? (Ra ghirs?)
How much does it cost?
rah GHIRS
სად არის...? (Sad aris?)
Where is...?
sard AH-ris
არ მესმის (Ar mesmis)
I don't understand
ar MES-mis
ძალიან კარგი (Dzalian kargi)
Very good / Excellent
DZAH-lee-ahn KAR-gee
საქართველო (Sakartvelo) / გაუმარჯოს საქართველოს!
Georgia / Long live Georgia!
sah-KART-ve-lo
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Georgia.
Main: Eastern Orthodox Christianity (Georgian Orthodox Church) - approximately 83% of the population; also Sunni Muslim communities in Adjara and Kvemo Kartli regions
Sites: Sveti Tskhoveli Cathedral (Mtskheta), Sameba Cathedral (Tbilisi), Alaverdi Cathedral (Kakheti), Jvari Monastery (Mtskheta), Gelati Monastery (Kutaisi)
Holy Days: Christmas (January 7 Julian calendar), Easter (Paskaloba - April/May), Mariamoba (August 28), Svetitskhovloba (October 14), New Year (January 14 old calendar)
Conversations: Avoid comparing Orthodox Christianity to Catholicism or Protestantism in ways that imply hierarchy; South Ossetia and Abkhazia as political topics are sensitive; avoid anti-Russian commentary which can be misinterpreted