Svetitskhovloba (Mtskhetoba)
Mtskheta's feast of the Life-Giving Pillar and Christ's robe, a public holiday with a liturgy led by the Patriarch.
Svetitskhoveli CathedralPhoto: Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0On 14 October the old capital celebrates its cathedral and the robe of Christ that tradition says lies under it. The Catholicos-Patriarch usually leads the liturgy at Svetitskhoveli, and pilgrims arrive from across the country. The same day is Mtskhetoba, the town's festival, so the streets fill with stalls, music, wine and churchkhela.
It is one of the busiest days of the year in Mtskheta. Arrive early in the morning, or come in the afternoon once the service has ended.
- Parking in Mtskheta is very limited; come by marshrutka from Didube or with a driver.
- Women need a headscarf and skirt to enter the cathedral.
- Climb to Jvari in the late afternoon for the view over the festival.
Where to see it
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
Tours around Svetitskhovloba (Mtskhetoba)
More in October and after
Kakheti's biggest one-day wine festival, with hundreds of wineries pouring in a park in Gurjaani after the harvest.
31 Oct – 1 Nov 2026Phazisoba (Poti City Day)Poti's city festival, named after Phasis, the ancient Greek trading town that stood at the mouth of the Rioni.
Season: late September to late October, later than KakhetiRtveli in Imereti and RachaWestern Georgia's grape harvest, from Imereti's Tsitska and Tsolikouri to the late-picked Khvanchkara grapes of Racha.