Tbilisi Transforms into ‘Eurovillage’, Celebrates Europe Day

On May 5, Rike Park, one of the most picturesque and popular parks of the Georgian capital Tbilisi, transformed into an ‘Eurovillage’ and brought together 20 member states of the European Union, who gave incredible mini-performances, including dances and songs, to present their eclectic cultures and traditions to Tbilisians and visitors. Over 10,000 guests at the event, of many ages, got to participate in a number of entertaining games and other interesting activities.

Along with Georgian citizens and international travelers visiting the country, the government officials also joined the celebration. Salome Zurabishvili, President of Georgia, officially opened the event and congratulated the attendees on Europe Day. She stated that despite a number of challenges faced by Georgia in past, the country is successfully continuing to blaze a path to Europe.

“After the collapse of the Soviet Union, when Georgia restored its independence for the second time, we returned to our path to Europe. This road is hard, but we are successively moving forward,” she said.

Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia, was also present at the event.

“I am sure that by being united in spirit and action, with unshaken Georgian spirit and with the support of our European friends, we will reach a day when united, strong and peace-loving Georgia will become a fully-fledged member of the European Union,” said the Head of the Government, going on to highlight the technical and financial assistance of the EU towards Georgia, which contributes to the implementation of major reforms in the country.

“On Europe Day, we celebrate the fact that an idea planted 69 years ago has come to unite over 500 million citizens from 28 diverse countries with 24 official languages into one European Union, working towards peace and prosperity for its citizens," said Carl Hartzell, the Ambassador of the EU to Georgia. "It is also an opportunity for us to highlight the close relations between the EU and Georgia, which have never been stronger than they are today. We look forward to continuing and further developing our cooperation in the years to come.”

Days of Europe, celebrated for the seventh time this year, will last till the end of May in Tbilisi, as well as in regions across the country, boasting over 80 events in total.

By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

Image source: Delegation of the European Union to Georgia