Dmanisi celebrates new year with huge celebrations

Dmanisi, Georgia: Dmanisi, a historical town in southern Georgia, is gearing up for a grand New Year celebration on Saturday, December 30, 2023. 

The event, organized by the administration of the Government of Georgia, will showcase the rich and diverse culture of the country through various activities and performances.

The event will take place adjacent to the AIP Culture and Art Center, a modern and spacious venue hosting various cultural events throughout the year. The centre is in the heart of Dmanisi, near the famous archaeological site where the oldest human fossils outside Africa were discovered.

The celebration will start at 14:00 with a Christmas Market, where visitors can browse and buy local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market will also offer delicious treats such as mulled wine, cinnamon cookies, and hot chocolate to keep the visitors warm and cosy.

At the same time, a lively Orchestra march by the “Drum School” will entertain the crowd with their rhythmic and energetic music. The march will last for 30 minutes and will cover the main streets of Dmanisi.

The children will have a unique space to learn how to prepare New Year’s toys, such as paper snowflakes, stars, and bells. They can also enjoy a celebratory march of fairy tale heroes, such as Snow White, Cinderella, and Aladdin, who will interact and play with them.

One of the event’s highlights will be the children’s meeting with Santa Claus, who will arrive at 15:00 with a sleigh full of presents. Santa Claus will greet the children, listen to their wishes, and give them gifts. He will also pose for photos and join the Orchestra march for another round of musical fun.

At 18:00, the event will shift to a more festive mood with a concert by SALIO, a famous Georgian singer and songwriter, and her band Sherekiles. SALIO, whose real name is Salome Korkotashvili, is known for her soulful and eclectic style of music, blending pop, jazz, folk, and electronic elements. 

She will perform some of her hit songs, such as “Lost”, “Sing to Me”, and “Keep On Dancing”, as well as some new ones from her upcoming album.