Tbilisi City Hall has unveiled this year’s Christmas message with the theme “City Full of Victories,” a decision that has sparked interest and discussion among residents and visitors. The message, which adorns the city’s Christmas tree, marks a change from last year’s controversial “City Full of Peace” slogan.
A Shift from Last Year’s Message
For the past two weeks, Tbilisi’s iconic Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue have been illuminated with festive lights, continuing a beloved holiday tradition. The main Christmas tree, erected in Freedom Square, now stands adorned with the seasonal message “City Full of Victories.” This year’s choice comes with some significance, as it replaces last year’s “City Full of Peace,” a message that was met with criticism due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The selection of “City Full of Victories” appears to be a more neutral phrase, reflecting pride without direct reference to current political tensions. The phrase itself, while optimistic, has raised questions due to its ambiguous nature, leaving room for various interpretations.
A Challenging Context for Christmas Messages
Tbilisi’s Christmas celebrations are often a reflection of the city’s political climate. Last year, the message of peace was seen by some as tone-deaf, given the escalation of the war in Ukraine and the sensitive political context in the region. This year, the city opted for a phrase that avoids directly referencing global conflicts while still maintaining the tradition of a meaningful holiday message.
As the construction of the Christmas tree continued, police officers were seen standing guard in front of the parliament building, ensuring the safety of the workers constructing the tree. By the evening of December 8, only the upper half of the tree had been decorated with foliage, and it was expected to be completed in time for the 11th night of rallying, an annual event in the city.
Tbilisi’s Christmas Celebration Amid Tension
The decorations on Rustaveli Avenue, including the giant tree at Freedom Square, are a source of pride for many Tbilisi residents. However, they also come at a time when political and social tensions remain high, with ongoing debates over Georgia’s position in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. As the city prepares for the Christmas holiday, the message of “victory” may serve to unite citizens in a spirit of resilience, though its ambiguity leaves much to be interpreted.
