Today’s RejiG celebrates Georgia on her Independence Day! On this day in 1918, the country established the Democratic Republic of Georgia and declared its independence from Russian empire.

Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, hosts an early-morning oath-taking ceremony in Freedom Square followed by afternoon concerts and military parades. The national flag, decorates the buildings and soldiers’ poles as they march through the street.

Popular celebrations include traditional Georgian feasts called supras. These events are led by a toastmaster, or tamada, and can last for up to 12 hours as attendees eat, drink, and dance late into the night. Almost every supra is sure to use ram horns or porcelain replicas for cups and serve Georgia’s national dish khachapuri–a delicious cheese-stuffed bread.

Happy Independence Day, Georgia!