Independence Day of Abkhazia
An Abkhaz boy wearing traditional Abkhazian clothing during the independence day celebrations in 2017.
Official nameRussian: День независимости Абхазии
Observed by Abkhazia
Abkhazia Abkhazian Diaspora (mostly in Russia and Georgia)
 Russia (Russian 7th Military Base)
Liturgical color  Green,   Red,   White
Celebrations
ObservancesFireworks in the capital
Begins11:00 am (officially)
Ends6:00 pm (officially)
DateSeptember 30
Related toWar in Abkhazia (1992–1993)

The Independence Day of Abkhazia (Russian: День независимости Абхазии) also known among Abkhazians as Liberation Day (Russian: День освобождения) or Victory Day (Russian: День победы) is the main state holiday in the partially recognized Republic of Abkhazia. It celebrates the end of the War in Abkhazia (1992–1993) and the declaration of independence. This date is celebrated on September 30.

Background

September 30 was chosen as the Independence Day to commemorate the date on which the Georgian government troops and ethnic Georgians were driven out by the Abkhaz secessionist forces and their allies from much of Abkhazia, including the capital, Sukhumi, in a series of fierce battles during the war in Abkhazia in 1993.[1][2] On August 14, 1992, troops of the State Council of Georgia led by Tengiz Kitovani entered in Abkhazia.[3] The Museum of War Glory in central Sukhumi, which was opened in December 2014, has artifacts and memorabilia from the war.[4]

Celebrations

A girl holding a balloon during the celebrations in 2017.

Many citizens and veterans are awarded the title of Hero of Abkhazia on this day.[5][6][7][8] The military parade on Freedom Square is usually the main event on jubilee years (every 5 years). 2018 celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War, which included the parading of a captured T-55 tank with the call sign "01" on Freedom Square.

Russian celebrations

Celebrations at the 7th Military Base in 2017.

Members of the Russian Federation's 7th Military Base in Abkhazia celebrate Liberation Day with an annual military parade at the base as well as with a joint ceremony with the Abkhazian Armed Forces.[9]

Official government programme

The official government program during the celebrations runs from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.[10]

  • 11:00 - Laying of flowers at the Memorial Complex to the victims of the war.
  • 12:00 - Military parade in the Park of Military Glory
  • 13:00 - Laying of flowers at the Memorial the first President of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzinba
  • 14:00 - Laying of flowers at the grave of former President of Abkhazia Sergey Bagapsh
  • 17:00 - Gala concert in the R. Gumba Philharmonic
  • 18:00 - A theatrical performance events from the war.

Jubilee military parade

Every five years, a military parade in honor of the jubilee anniversary of the Victory and Independence of Abkhazia is held on Freedom Square in Sukhumi. It usually begins with the State Flag and the Victory Banner of Abkhazia being brought onto the Square. The parade commander then reports to the Minister of Defense of Abkhazia, who in turn inspects the troops and reports to the Commander-in-Chief. Annual participants include formations from the armed forces, militarized formations, guests contingents from the Armed Forces of Russia and the Ministry of Defense of South Ossetia, as well as the Cossacks of the Black Sea, Don and Kuban Cossacks.[11]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Archive - 30/9/2015". Cominf.org. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  2. ↑ "День освобождения Республики Абхазия". Calend.ru. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  3. ↑ "Abkhazia marks Independence Day". Abkhazworld.com. Retrieved 2017-10-07.
  4. ↑ Pender, Kieran (2017-09-29). "Abkhazia: Memory of War Still Looms Large". Eurasianet.org. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  5. ↑ "Abkhazia is celebrating Independence Day". Cominf.org. 2015-09-30. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  6. ↑ "Abkhazia celebrates Independence Day and the 21st anniversary of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1992-1993". Abkhazworld.com. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  7. ↑ "On September 30, the country celebrates the 19th anniversary of the Victory in the Abkhaz Great Patriotic War of 1992-1993". Abkhazworld.com. Retrieved 2017-10-07.
  8. ↑ "Day of independence of Abkhazia". Archived from the original on 2018-01-20. Retrieved 2018-01-20.
  9. ↑ "Военнослужащие ЮВО впервые примут участие в военном параде, посвященном 20-летию независимости Республики Абхазия : Министерство обороны Российской Федерации". Function.mil.ru. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  10. ↑ "September 30 - Independence Day of the Republic of Abkhazia". Apsnypress.info. Archived from the original on 2017-10-01. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  11. ↑ "Военнослужащие из Южной Осетии впервые приняли участие в военном параде в Абхазии". Alanamil.org.
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