The History of Georgian Supra: From Feast Tables to Craft Bars
About this experience
In 2017, the Georgian Supra was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. But how can a lunch or dinner become a cultural heritage? It means that not everything is so simple and there are unique features? Of course! We will talk about the traditions of 'supras', their transformation, and how it connects generations, past, and present. The format can be anything: a walking tour, a visit to a restaurant, or a picnic.
What to Expect
Georgians call their feasts 'supra' (or 'skatert' in Georgian). It is a true intimate performance with its own rules, rituals, and traditions. Supra is connected to two other Georgian social phenomena: hospitality and winemaking. In its classic form, it took shape only after Georgian communities became part of the Russian Empire in the XIX century, but it particularly flourished in the Soviet period. Does Russia play a role in this or is it just a coincidence? I will tell you.
You will also learn what a 'dukhane' is, what the phenomenon of a 'tamada' entails, and if a woman can be a tamada. I will give examples of perfect toasts, and we will definitely practice this fine art. I will also list their classic order and explain if toasts can be made with a glass of beer. And we will talk about the legendary Georgian polyphony.
What is Supra in our days—an anachronism hindering Georgia's modernization, or a tradition essential from the point of view of preserving Georgian identity? A debatable question that we will try to answer by the end of the feast. If, of course, we can.
Logistical Details
- Participation in the feast is not a mandatory part of the excursion and is not included in the price (starting from 50 lari per person)
- You can choose to meet on Batumi Boulevard, in one of the city's recommended restaurants, or have a picnic on a scenic meadow overlooking the city
