Regional Folklore Festival "Pudzeoba" Begins
On July 25, a press conference dedicated to the regional folklore festival “Fudzeoba” was held at the office of Credo Bank. The press conference was led by Nana Dolidze, Head of the Culture Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport; Kristine Kobakhidze, Head of the “Fudzeoba” project; and Megi Gurgenidze, representative of Credo Bank.
“Fudzeoba” is a regional folklore festival aimed at promoting the regional development of Georgia, as well as the restoration, preservation, and popularization of Georgian ethnographic heritage. Within the framework of the festival, a festival town is set up in each region, presenting the entire region with all its characteristics in a single space. Located within the territory, district huts (patskhas) will host the presentation and tasting of local products and cuisine characteristic of the area; sports competitions in running, arm wrestling, and wrestling will be held; demonstrations and performances of restored traditional Georgian games characteristic of the region (e.g., archery, triad, kvachildaoba, spearmanship) will be presented; a children's entertainment corner will be available throughout the festival. Additionally, theatrical performances will be organized&mdashincluding traditional Georgian martial arts, performances by berikebi (masked folk actors), zurna players, duduki players, and drummers; an exhibition and sale of works by masters of fine and applied arts from across the region will be held; and a fast-food corner will also be set up at the festival.
The slogan of the festival is “Return to your roots for one day.” The festival is of interest to both foreign and Georgian tourists. Up to 10,000 people will participate in it, including both regional folklore groups and popular Georgian performers.
The project will provide individuals working in the field of folklore with the opportunity to showcase their capabilities and present their work. Given the format of the festival, awards will be presented to individuals active in the field of folklore.
The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, within the framework of the CHECK IN GEORGIA project. The supporter of the project is Credo Bank.
Festival Program:
- August 3 – Samtskhe-Javakheti – Bakuriani
- August 27 – Racha-Lechkhumi – Ambrolauri
- September 14 – Kvemo Kartli – Bolnisi
- September 28 – Adjara – Shuakhevi
- October 14 – Mtskheta-Mtianeti – Mtskheta
- November 8 – Kakheti – Kvareli
The closing concerts will feature performances by: Nikoloz Rachveli and the Georgian National Symphony Orchestra, Liza Bagrationi, Nato Metonidze, Nato Gelashvili, Nodiko Tatishvili, Salome Bakuradze, Achiko Nizharadze, the Theatrical Quartet, the Trio of Georgian Voices, Forte, the ensemble Shvidkaca, Datuna Sirbiladze, Natia Peranidze, the ensemble Dziriani, Keti Gabisiani, Zuka Khutsishvili, Non Stop, and Lela Tsurtsumia.
