In the course of the first five days of March 2023, the Madlena Art Palace hosted the manifestation “Days of Georgian culture”. This was the first time such an exceptional cultural event had been organized by the Embassy of Georgia in Belgrade, thus making it possible for numerous visitors, who walked through the Palace fro+m 1 to 5 March, to discover the singular and exceptionally rich culture and tradition of Georgia which provided a considerable contribution to the world cultural heritage.
Those were the days when the Madlena Art Palace exuded sounds and fragrances of Georgia.
The event was opened with polyphone singing of the National singing ensemble “Herio”, followed by a short documentary on the unique Georgian alphabet entitled “Georgia made of letters”, dancing performance of the National folklore ensemble “Abhazeti”, and a short documentary on the Georgian tradition of viniculture which is 8,000 years old. “Three scripts of the Georgian alphabet”, exhibition of unique samples of Georgian folk costume, exhibition of kvevries used in production of wine, and exhibition and tasting of Georgian prime quality Sarajishvili brandy, the tradition of which dates back in 1884, were the exhibitions organized for the occasion.
Georgian polyphone singing
Singing is much appreciated in Georgian culture. Polyphone singing in Georgian language is a secular tradition in the country whose language and culture were frequently oppressed by conquerors. In Georgia, there are three types of polyphone singing: complex polyphony, which is characteristic of Svaneti; polyphone dialogue over a base background, which prevails in Kakheti in eastern Georgia; and juxtaposed polyphony, with three partly improvised singing parts, which is characteristic of western Georgia. In 2008, this form of singing was entered in the Representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humankind.
Georgian alphabet
The development of Georgian written language gave birth to three scripts – mrgvlovani, nushuri i mhedruli – which have remained in use till the present date. The alphabets coexist thanks to their different cultural and social functions, reflecting the aspect of diversity and the identity of Georgia. All three alphabets were entered in the Representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humankind in 2016.
Georgian folk dances
Sparks from dancers’ sabres and daggers are flying over the scene. Here, everything is real: the burning passion, incredible velocity, accuracy, and power. Georgian folk dances impress with their splendor, unbelievable fire, sumptuous costumes, and history alternating with art. They provide both the dancers and the audience with infinite pleasure.
Wine-making in kvevries
This method is used throughout Georgia, especially in rural communities where unique varieties of vine are grown. A kvevri is the egg-shaped pottery vessel used for making, maturing, and keeping wine. The tradition of viniculture using kvevries defines the lifestyle of local communities and makes an inseparable part of their cultural identity and heritage. In 2013, it was included in the Representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humankind.