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Berikaoba Sculpture: A Celebration of Georgian Folk Tradition

A vibrant sculpture in Tbilisi celebrating Georgia's ancient spring ritual of Berikaoba, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions.

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The Berikaoba Sculpture in Tbilisi is a vibrant bronze depiction of joyous dancers, paying tribute to the ancient Georgian tradition of Berikaoba, a spring ritual celebrating fertility and renewal. Located near the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater and Anchiskhati Basilica, it's a reminder of Georgia's rich cultural past.

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 the sculpture day or night, as it's accessible 24/7 and offers a different ambiance depending on the time.
  • Take a stroll around the nearby Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater and Anchiskhati Basilica to explore more of Tbilisi's cultural landmarks.
  • Consider visiting during local festivals or holidays to experience the spirit of Berikaoba in a contemporary context.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Berikaoba Sculpture is located in Tbilisi's Old Town, making it easily accessible by foot from many central locations. From Freedom Square, walk north towards the river Mtkvari, passing the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater. The sculpture will be on your left, near the Anchiskhati Basilica. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve the area around the Berikaoba Sculpture. Take bus routes 31, 46, 80, 103 or 124 to the Baratashvili Street stop. From there, walk east towards the river Mtkvari, and you'll find the sculpture on your right, near the Anchiskhati Basilica. A single ride on Tbilisi's municipal buses costs 0.50 GEL, payable via a Tbilisi Transport Card.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt and Yandex Taxi are readily available in Tbilisi. A short taxi ride from Freedom Square to the Berikaoba Sculpture typically costs between 3-5 GEL, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or check the app estimate before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Berikaoba

Located just west of the Mtkvari River in Tbilisi, near the famed Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater and the Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary, the Berikaoba Sculpture captures a vibrant scene frozen in bronze. This sculpture, featuring a circle of joyous and uniquely expressive dancers, pays homage to the ancient Georgian tradition of Berikaoba, a spring ritual deeply rooted in the country's pagan past. Long before Georgia embraced Christianity in the early fourth century, its cultural landscape was a rich mix of beliefs, including Zoroastrianism and Hellenism. Berikaoba, whose origins remain somewhat mysterious, celebrated the arrival of spring and the promise of fertility and good fortune. The festivities involved masked figures, known as berikas, who would parade through villages, collecting offerings like eggs and wine. In return, the villagers hoped for a bountiful and prosperous season, marked by feasting, wrestling, and various games. While the custom has largely faded, with only a few villages in Kakheti continuing the tradition, the spirit of Berikaoba lives on in the sculpture by Avtandil Monaselidze, erected in 1981. This sculptural tribute reflects the broader cultural history of Georgia as a land of diverse traditions and rituals. Berikaoba evolved into an improvised, masqueraded folk theater characterized by scenes ranging from eroticism to political satire and social commentary. The name Berikaoba stems from the Common Kartvelian root “ber,” meaning "a child," hinting at the themes of renewal and rebirth central to the celebration. Originally performed during pagan times on holidays celebrating abundance, Berikaoba adapted over the centuries to be performed on Christian holidays, like Easter, and at weddings, blending old and new traditions. The sculpture stands at the northern edge of Tbilisi's oldest section and is accessible around the clock.

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