Georgia celebrates both the international New Year on the 1st of January and the old Julian calendar New Year on the 14th of January, which Georgians call Akhali Tseli. This means there are two rounds of celebrations, two festive meals, and two chances to enjoy the traditions — which is quite a pleasant arrangement!
Tovlis Babua dresses in white or light blue robes decorated with snowflake patterns, symbolising winter and snow. He travels with a young companion called Basili (similar to an elf helper) and sometimes a grandaughter figure. He visits homes, schools, and public celebrations, bringing sweets, small gifts, and good wishes for the new year.
The festive table at Georgian New Year is a spectacular supra with many special seasonal dishes. One of the most important is gozinaki — a sweet made from caramelised walnuts and honey that is pressed into flat golden slabs and broken into pieces. It is almost always present at New Year tables and is given as a gift between families and neighbours.
Georgian New Year also has a tradition called Mekvle — the first person to step into your home on New Year's Day. Georgians believe the Mekvle sets the tone for the whole year ahead, so family and friends often arrange in advance for the most cheerful, lucky, and kind person they know to be the first to cross the threshold, bringing good fortune with them.