Alilo in Tbilisi

The annual Christmas march, called Alilo, took place on January 7.

Alilo has become an important part of the Christmas tradition. There are always many people involved in the preparations that last about a fortnight. Churches, schools and universities participate in the march and give presents to orphans and the homeless. Everything is delivered by the cartload from the village of Metekhi. Alilo started from Republic Square, stopped at the President’s Administration in Avlabari to receive presents from the President and continued to Holy Trinity Cathedral.

“This is the first time I’ve been involved in the Christmas march and I can’t hide my happiness. I wish you all the best in your lives and ask God to allow me to celebrate this wonderful day at home,” one of the Alilo participants told the paper.

Hundreds of people from different parts of Tbilisi came with their families to join in the march. Priests and their parishioners, teachers and pupils, everyone enjoyed the festive march and delivered presents to the poor. “Everything is being done in accordance with the old tradition in which people gathered and gave presents to those unable to share the happiness of Christmas at the churches.”