Public holiday in Georgia
Great Saturday in Georgia
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Great Saturday is a nationwide public holiday in Georgia observed on the Saturday before Orthodox Easter Sunday. It is part of the Easter weekend in the Georgian Orthodox calendar and is linked to the final days of Holy Week.
About Great Saturday in Georgia
In Georgia, Great Saturday marks the day before Orthodox Easter and falls within the most solemn part of the Christian liturgical year. As a nationwide public holiday, it is relevant across the country as part of the sequence of Holy Week observances leading to Easter Sunday. For many people, the day sits between the quieter rituals of Holy Friday and the celebratory mood of Easter itself, making it a transition from mourning to joy in the Orthodox calendar.
History
The holiday follows the long-standing Orthodox Christian practice of observing the final days of Holy Week before Easter. In Georgia, its public-holiday status reflects the country’s Orthodox Christian tradition and the continued national significance of the Easter period.
Traditions
On Great Saturday, Georgian Orthodox Christians traditionally continue the fasting and reflective observances of Holy Week. In many churches, the day is associated with preparation for the Easter liturgy, with believers attending services and waiting for the midnight celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
How Great Saturday is celebrated in Georgia
The day is usually observed in a quiet, reverent way, with church attendance and family preparation for Easter being the main focus. Public life is generally more subdued than on the Easter Sunday that follows, and many people use the day to prepare for the feast.
Interesting facts
Great Saturday is part of the broader Orthodox Easter cycle in Georgia, where the date changes each year according to the church calendar. It is a nationwide public holiday rather than a regional observance.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 Apr 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.