Alaverdoba

ალავერდობა

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Religious & SpiritualAlaverdi
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCeremony, pilgrimageThe documented custom of two to three
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: GEL
CategoryReligious & SpiritualFestival type
The story

Alaverdoba in Alaverdi

Alaverdoba centers on the sixth-century Alaverdi Cathedral in Kakheti, climaxing September 28 on the feast day of its founder, Joseph of Alaverdi. Historically a three-week cycle blending harvest fair, interfaith pilgrimage and Tush horsemen riding in tribute to fighters lost in the 1659 Bakhtrioni Uprising, it remains one of Georgia's most historically layered religious and agricultural festivals.

Alaverdoba centers on Alaverdi Cathedral, an eleventh-century monastery church in Kakheti founded in the sixth century by Joseph of Alaverdi, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers credited with helping establish monastic Christianity in Georgia.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The documented custom of two to three hundred Tush horsemen circling the cathedral three times while singing the mournful Dalai song, in tribute to Tush warriors killed in the specific 1659 Bakhtrioni Uprising, is a concrete historical ritual with few parallels at other Georgian religious festivals

02

The mystery stays covered

The historical draw of fifteen to twenty thousand pilgrims, and the documented practice of Christian and Muslim worshippers standing side by side at the same site, mark Alaverdoba as an unusually interfaith gathering for a festival centered on an Orthodox cathedral

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Tush horsemen circling Alaverdi Cathedral three times while singing the Dalai lament in tribute to fighters lost in the 1659 Bakhtrioni Uprising

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and the historical pattern of Christian and Muslim worshippers both bringing offerings to the site

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

Move patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.

What to wear

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for the cathedral grounds, given the religious character of the day, plus comfortable shoes for standing and walking across the open courtyard...

Safety

Watch local behavior before photographing, filming, or entering sacred spaces.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Public ritual moments are often free, but donations, transport, or temple access may vary.

Language/currency

GEL

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map42.03 N, 45.38 EOpen in Google Maps

Alaverdi, Kakheti, Georgia

Nearest airportTBS — Tbilisi
TransportMove patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Alaverdi via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Alaverdi, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearModest clothing covering shoulders and knees for the cathedral grounds, given the religious character of the day, plus comfortable shoes for standing and walking across the open courtyard and plain.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Georgia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Alaverdoba?

Alaverdoba is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Alaverdoba take place?

The festival is listed in Alaverdi, Georgia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Alaverdi, Kakheti, Georgia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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