Lamproba is one of the old and iconic traditional festivals in Svaneti.
Gathering in cemeteries after dark, locals light fires using specific types of firewood and offer prayers for their ancestors. Lamproba is a significant festival that signifies bidding farewell to the cold winter and welcoming the arrival of spring. The festival is also a time to pray for a bountiful harvest.
Rich Heritage of Traditional End-Winter Festivals in Georgia
The tradition of celebrating end-winter festivals is not unique to Svaneti. In fact, such festivals were a common practice throughout old Georgia. These festivals marked the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring.
The festivals were symbolic of the hope for a good harvest and an expression of gratitude to the divine for keeping the winter months safe. During these festivals, people would perform special rituals to invite the blessings of the gods, which would ensure the fertility of the land and the well-being of the community.
Lamproba Festival: A Festival of Lights and Remembrance
Lamproba is an exceptional festival, and it is particularly significant for the people of Svaneti. On this day, locals light fires using specific types of wood, which create bright, dazzling flames, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.
Photo credits KleopatraPhotography.
