In Pictures: Independence Day of Georgia

TBILISI – Georgia marked 25 years since it regained its independence from the Soviet Union with a great fanfare on Thursday.

A major public celebration took place in the capital Tbilisi’s Freedom Square and on its main street Rustaveli Avenue.

Most of central Tbilisi was closed to traffic as booths and kiosks highlighting Georgia’s various civic and historical accomplishments replace the city’s cars.

A woman with the 1918-21, 1991-2003 flag of the Democratic Republic of Georgia.

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili's speaks at the opening ceremonies for Independence Day.

Independence Day is one of Georgia's main non-religious public holidays. Rustaveli Avenue on May 26.

Photos: Giorgi Pridonishvili/Georgia Today