Kutaisi or Chamomile

The traditional public holiday in Kutaisi – “Gviriloba”, also known as Kutaiskalakoba, is celebrated annually on May 2. On this day, various cultural and sporting events are held in the city.

What is the 'Daisy' holiday associated with?

"Gviriloba", or 'Kutaiskalakoba' as a charity event was established in the 1920s. Its history is connected with the initiative and charity campaign of a high school girl, Alexandra Chikovani.

The holiday was first held in 1921. Girls participating in a charity event picked daisies, sold them, and used the collected funds to help people suffering from tuberculosis. In the following years, the “daisy festival” took on the form of a tradition and became a city holiday. To this day, the holiday is associated with charity. As always, the “daisy festival” was held in the spring, in April or early May. On this day, public walks, theatrical performances, sports competitions, and other entertainment events were held in Kutaisi.

After the Bolsheviks came to power in 1919, the "Gaviriloba" holiday was not held for another 60 years. However, in the 1980s of the 20th century, the tradition of Ormaisisoba was revived by the then city leadership. Since the 1980s, Gaviriloba, or Kutaiskalakoba, has been celebrated annually.

'Fertilization' 2022

The city celebrated 'Kutaiskalakoba' with various events, the program of which was published by the city hall on its official website. In 2021, the celebration was held on a smaller scale due to Covid regulations.

Honorary citizens were awarded within the framework of “Gviriloba 2022”. Government representatives decorated the three Otar monuments with wreaths and paid tribute to the memory of the colorful people of Kutaisi. In addition, an exhibition of works on various themes was organized in the lobby of the Lado Meskhishvili State Drama Theater, including a photo exhibition entitled “Views of Kutaisi at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century”.

A tournament among chess enthusiasts was also held at the events. Various events were held in Kutaisi throughout the day as part of “Gviriloba 2022”. An evening of classical music was held at the Kutaisi Meliton Balanchivadze Professional State Opera and Ballet Theater. In addition to classical music, a variety of musical events were held. During the day, a concert of classical music, an American jazz band, a song and dance ensemble, as well as a concert of bard, folk and jazz performer Manana Menabdi was held. Events dedicated to the city's public holiday continued until the end of the day.

The evening was attended by the State Representative of Imereti Zviad Shalamberidze, First Deputy Levan Sanikidze, Kutaisi Mayor Ioseb Khakhaleishvili, and other representatives of the local government.