Tbilisi Mayor: This Year We Declare Tbilisi as a City of Solidarity

"For the first time in my life, and I hope only once, I have to start the Christmas tree lighting ceremony by declaring war. Yes, you do not misunderstand - we all have to declare war on the pandemic and this despicable virus. In order for the virus to know that we are not afraid, we will never give up," Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said at the lighting ceremony of the main Christmas tree of the capital in front of the Parliament of Georgia.

During the event, Kaladze gave a live address to the citizens of Tbilisi and noted that due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic, this year, the format of pre-New Year and New Year events is different, and is aimed at reducing the risk of spreading of the virus and to protect the health of citizens.

He noted that this year's slogan of the Capital City is “Tbilisi – the City of Solidarity”.

“Welcome to the inhabitants of the warmest and the most beautiful city, I welcome entire Georgia, our guests, and our beloved emigrants, who are watching us from different countries of the world.

"I especially want to greet our children, our little ones. It is your clamor, your eyes full of joy, that is the miracle that turns any day into a holiday. I want to apologize for not being here now, but today it is so necessary to take care of each other’s health and each other’s lives.

"These New Year lights, this traditional ritual of lighting a Christmas tree, are not only a traditional celebration of a holiday, a new year, new hopes, but also a challenge, not getting used to the reality that this virus has brought to us.

"This year we declare Tbilisi as a city of solidarity because only by standing side by side, by helping and comforting each other, can we overcome the obstacles and the stress that we have in the country during the pandemic.

"Remember that good mood, fun and children's cuddles, clamor - this is what the virus is afraid of.

"Life goes on friends! Life is beautiful! New Year will bring new hope and a healthy future! Let us light the main Christmas tree of the country with the hope that 2021 will be a year of victories, peace, happiness and prosperity”, the Mayor of Tbilisi said.

The event, due to the limitations caused by the pandemic, was conducted in an online format and was short.

By Ana Dumbadze 

Photo courtesy: The Tbilisi City Hall