Orthodox Christmas charity procession in Tbilisi

Hundreds of Georgians marched through the streets of the capital Tbilisi on Saturday in a traditional charity procession on Orthodox Christmas day. During Soviet times, Alilo, as well as the celebration of Christmas, was banned. The tradition was restored only in 2000 and gained in popularity.

The procession passes through the central streets of Tbilisi where citizens and members of the government and the president donate sweets. The Charity procession ends with prayers at Trinity Cathedral. This year Alilo was also held in all major cities in Georgia.