Discover Kutaisoba (Gviriloba), Kutaisi’s daisy festival on May 2: history, traditions, music, fireworks and tips for visiting this citywide celebration.
Every year on May 2, Kutaisi doesn’t just greet another spring day. It marks Kutaisoba — also known as Gviriloba, from gvirila, the Georgian word for “daisy.” Streets fill with people, music, laughter and, of course, flowers. The celebration is informal, lively and heartfelt. It has long become part of the city’s rhythm and one of the most cherished events for locals.
At first, the celebration looked very different. In the early 20th century, schoolgirls would take to the streets to sell daisies and raise money for people with tuberculosis. It was a simple charity effort, but a meaningful one. Over time, that tradition grew into a large citywide festival that now brings together thousands.
Today the daisy is the emblem of Kutaisoba. People give it as a gift, pin it to their clothes, and decorate shop windows and outdoor stages with it. Many residents wear a daisy not for just one day but for three, as if trying to linger in the holiday mood a little longer.
The morning begins with a service at Bagrati Cathedral, the ancient church that rises above the city. After that, it feels as if all of Kutaisi pours into the streets. The city center — David the Builder Square, the Rioni riverside and the nearby parks — fills with people, bright costumes and music.
The program features concerts, folk ensembles, open-air theater, workshops and sporting competitions. Markets open where you can buy souvenirs and locally made crafts. In the evening there’s a gala concert, and the day ends with a colorful fireworks display. The city also uses the occasion to honor residents who have made a significant contribution to local life.
Kutaisoba isn’t just for locals. Each year, visitors arrive from other cities and countries. Delegations from sister cities join the festivities, and sometimes they even plant trees in Kutaisi’s Botanical Garden. All this makes Kutaisoba both a warm, family-centered celebration and an event with an international touch.
The mood on the streets is one of openness and joy. People smile, exchange flowers, dance to Georgian melodies and feel part of something shared.
In 2026, the celebration will take place again on May 2. According to media reports, musical performances, dancing, markets and street shows are planned. The detailed program has not yet been published, and there is no schedule on the city’s official website. Judging by previous years, though, the day is likely to be as vibrant and full as ever.
Kutaisoba is more than entertainment. It’s a day that reminds the city of its history, its values and its people. It’s when you can genuinely feel like a citizen of Kutaisi, even if it’s your first time here.
And the daisy — a simple flower — becomes a symbol of kindness, involvement and springtime spirit. It doesn’t just decorate the city; it brings its residents together in a shared feeling.