Georgia celebrates Independence Day on May 26. 108 years ago, in 1918, Georgia's democratic government declared independence from the Russian Empire.

This first democracy in the country lasted only two and a half years, after which it fell under Soviet control. Georgia regained its sovereignty in 1991.

May 26 is an annual celebration across the country. The main morning events in Tbilisi are scheduled for Freedom Square. A parade and oath-taking ceremony will traditionally take place there. Planes and helicopters will fly over the city, followed by an exhibition of military equipment.

The opposition announced a large-scale rally for the evening, announcing the assembly of the first building of Tbilisi State University on Chavchavadze Avenue. From there, the column was expected to march to the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, but Tbilisi City Hall refused to grant permission for the installation of equipment for the rally. Despite this, the opposition assured that the event would still take place.