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Berikaoba Sculpture: A Tribute to Georgian Folk Theater

A vibrant sculpture in Tbilisi's Old Town, celebrating Georgia's ancient spring traditions and cultural heritage through joyous dance.

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The Berikaoba Sculpture in Tbilisi, near the Mtkvari River, is a bronze depiction of joyous dancers that pays homage to the ancient Georgian tradition of Berikaoba, a spring ritual celebrating fertility and good fortune. Created by Avtandil Monaselidze and erected in 1981, the sculpture reflects Georgia's diverse cultural history.

A brief summary to Berikaoba

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Take your time to read about the sculptures; many have fascinating stories behind them.
  • Check out local cafes nearby for authentic Georgian snacks after your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in the Old Town area, you can easily reach the Berikaoba Sculpture by walking. From Freedom Square, head towards Rustaveli Avenue, then turn onto Gudiashvili Street. Walk straight for about 15-20 minutes, and you will find Berikaoba.

  • Public Transport

    You can take the Tbilisi Metro to Rustaveli station on the Red Line. From there, walk towards Rustaveli Avenue and turn onto Gudiashvili Street. Continue walking for about 10 minutes until you reach Berikaoba. The metro fare is 1 GEL.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    Use a taxi or rideshare service like Bolt or Yandex Taxi. Input 'Berikaoba, MRW4+HPC, Tbilisi' as your destination. Taxis are readily available and affordable in Tbilisi. A short trip within the city center should cost only a few GEL.

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Discover more about Berikaoba

Located in Tbilisi's Old Town, just west of the Mtkvari River, the Berikaoba Sculpture captures a vibrant scene of dancers frozen in bronze. This sculpture pays tribute to the ancient Georgian tradition of Berikaoba, a spring ritual deeply rooted in the country's pagan past. Before Georgia embraced Christianity, its cultural landscape was a mix of beliefs, including Zoroastrianism and Hellenism. Berikaoba, whose origins are mysterious, celebrated the arrival of spring and the promise of fertility and good fortune. Masked figures, known as berikas, would parade through villages, collecting offerings like eggs and wine in return for a bountiful season. The celebration included feasting, wrestling, and games. While the custom has largely faded, with only a few villages in Kakheti continuing the tradition, the spirit of Berikaoba lives on in this sculpture. The sculpture also reflects the broader cultural history of Georgia as a land of diverse traditions and rituals. Berikaoba evolved into an improvised folk theater characterized by satire and social commentary. The name Berikaoba stems from the Kartvelian root “ber,” meaning "a child," hinting at renewal and rebirth. The sculpture is accessible 24/7 and stands at the northern edge of Tbilisi's oldest section.

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