Cultural Tourism
Cultural Tourism
Batumi is a captivating tourist destination that attracts an ever-growing number of visitors each year. The city offers a fusion of ancient and modern architecture, with its historic port, botanical garden, seaside boulevard, early 20th-century European squares and streets, not to mention historical monuments dating back to antiquity, world-class hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars. People visit not only because of its subtropical climate, its unique blend of beaches, sea, and mountains, and its welcoming and hospitable residents, but also for the opportunity to engage in cultural activities such as festivals and concerts featuring both globally-renowned and Georgian artists.
Every year, Batumi hosts a variety of events, including the "Black Sea Jazz Festival", the Batumi Classical Music Festival "Night Serenades", the Batumi International Classical Music Festival, the Black Sea International Folklore Festival, the Batumi International Film Festival of Original Films, the International Animated Film Festival "Tofouz", among other thematic and seasonal festivals.
Over the years, Batumi has been visited by illustrious artists such as Plácido Domingo, Jamiroquai, Macy Gray, Prodigy, Quincy Jones, Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, Joe Stone, De La Soul, Maroon 5, Sting, Erykah Badu, and many more.
Ajara's rich cultural heritage, representing the confluence of the past and present, is expressed through a host of folk festivals - "Shuamtoba", "Kolkhoba", "Tbeloba", "Selimoba", and others. While some festivals only exist in the customs and rituals associated with them, they've nonetheless left an indelible mark on the culture. The region has managed to preserve its ancient folk music tradition, which forms an integral part of Georgian musical folklore. The folk music of Ajara spans both simple and polyphonic songs. These songs have traditionally accompanied almost all facets of human life and activity, labor, and various aspects of living culture.
Folk choreography holds a prominent place in the folklore of Ajara. Dances were typically performed at gatherings, entertainment shows, and family and rural celebrations. Folk choreography in this region has managed to maintain elements of folk drama, which echo the ancient beliefs and concepts of the Georgian people and their perceptions of the outside world. These elements link to various ancient deities and preserve the symbolic meanings of rituals.
Overall, to protect, conserve, and promote the intangible cultural heritage of Georgian and global communities, numerous cultural events are held throughout the year at venues such as the Batumi Art Museum, Batumi State Music Centre, and Batumi Drama Theatre. These events are further enriched by performances from renowned Georgian and international artists of our era. Therefore, Batumi can truly be described as the cultural epicentre of the country.
