Traveller’s Guide to Lamproba Festival in Svaneti, Georgia

Hidden in the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains lies one of Georgia’s most mystical and ancient traditions — Lamproba Festival. Every February, the highland villages of Svaneti come alive with the warm glow of flaming torches, as locals honour their ancestors.

Unlike any other festival in Georgia, Lamproba is a rare glimpse into a pre-Christian world, preserved through centuries by the proud and isolated Svan people.

This guide provides everything you need to know about Lamproba — its origins and rituals, as well as practical advice on how to get to Svaneti, to where to stay and what else there is to see and do in the region. Everything you need to plan your journey is right here.

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What is Lamproba Festival?

Lamproba (ლამპრობა) is a traditional fire festival celebrated in the Svaneti region of Georgia. It is an ancient pre-Christian ritual that honours the spirits of the ancestors, symbolising light overcoming darkness during the long winter nights.

Locals build and burn tall wooden torches called “lamprobi”—a communal event marked by spiritual significance, storytelling, and remembrance.

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When is Lamproba Festival?

Lamproba is celebrated annually in February, usually on the 2nd or 3rd weekend, depending on the village. It’s tied to the ancient Svan calendar and often coincides with mid-winter agricultural rites.

Tip: Confirm the exact date each year, as it may shift slightly.

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What is the History of Lamproba Festival?

Lamproba dates back to pagan times, long before Christianity arrived in Georgia in the 4th century. The Svans, an indigenous ethnic subgroup, preserved this custom through centuries by blending pagan rituals with Christian symbolism.

The torches are symbols of light, purification, and continuity, guiding the spirits of the dead and asking for protection in the coming year.

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What Can You See at Lamproba Festival?

• Torch-lighting ceremonies: Massive torches (made of cedar or birch) are lit and carried through the villages.
• Night processions: Locals gather in traditional dress and walk through snowy paths holding lamprobi.
• Chanting and rituals: Svan spiritual songs and ancient hymns are performed.
• Communal feasts: Traditional Svan dishes, wine, and chacha (grape brandy) are shared.
• Shrine gatherings: Families visit ancestral shrines (khati), some only used during Lamproba.

It’s a deeply moving, mystical experience — and one of the last surviving pagan-Christian festivals in Europe.

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What is the Typical Schedule of Lamproba Festival?

Day 1 (Afternoon to Night)

• Torch-building workshops
• Traditional Svan music performances
• Feast preparation and shrine visits

Evening

• Blessing of torches by village elders
• Lighting of the torches at sunset
• Procession through the village
• Communal feast around fires

Day 2

• Continued gatherings and storytelling
• Local crafts and food markets
• Optional hikes to sacred spots or towers

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Facts About Lamproba Festival

• The festival can vary slightly between villages (e.g., Ushguli vs. Mestia).
• Only in Svaneti will you see Lamproba in its most authentic form.
• It’s not a tourist event — visitors are welcome but expected to be respectful.
• The festival emphasizes community, memory, and nature.
• Some torch rituals are conducted at ancient towers and family shrines.

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How to Get to the Svaneti Region

By Air

• Tbilisi or Kutaisi → Mestia
• Domestic flights (e.g., from Natakhtari Airfield to Mestia’s Queen Tamar Airport)

There are daily flights from Tbilisi (Natakhtari) to Mestia Airport during ski season with Vanilla Sky for GEL 90 ($32), which includes a transfer from Tbilisi city centre to the Natakhtari Airfield, about 30 minutes north of the capital.

Booking online is straightforward, and the flight itself offers stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains. I highly recommend this flight if just for the scenery!

However, a major drawback is that flights are frequently cancelled due to weather conditions like snow, often with only a few hours’ notice. While you can rebook for the next available flight, repeated cancellations are common—it happened to us three times—so be sure to have a backup plan just in case.

By Road

• Tbilisi to Mestia (9–10 hours by marshrutka or private car)
• Kutaisi to Mestia (5–6 hours)
• Batumi to Mestia (6–7 hours)

There are regular marshrutka minibuses from Mestia to Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi and Batumi (just keep in mind that marshrutkas aren’t known for their comfort). In winter, delays are common due to snow, and we experienced several stops in the mountains to clear the road with a shovel.

If you’d rather break up the trip, consider taking a minibus to Kutaisi, then continuing by train the next day (there are no trains from Zugdidi in winter).

Alternatively, rent a car and drive yourself, but you should be comfortable driving in heavy snow. For a private transfer with a local driver, book with GoTrip,

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Where to Stay in Svaneti

Mestia (central hub)

Here are a few recommended options:

• Hotel Elite House
• Hotel Old Seti
• Hotel Old House Mestia

Local guesthouses came highly recommended, but I found the one I booked to be a little too cold and not well-equipped enough for my 10-day trip (even though it was lovely and the owner was very sweet), so I changed to an apart-hotel instead. It depends on your needs (e.g. I needed to work online) and level of comfort.

Ushguli (remote & authentic)

I didn’t visit Ushguli on my trip, but these are a few recommended places to stay in the village:

• Gamarjoba Guest and Art House
• Ushguli Highland Cottage

Many guesthouses offer home-cooked meals, heated rooms, and local hospitality.

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Other Things to Do in Svaneti

• Visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography

• Explore ancient Svan towers in Mestia & Ushguli

• Skiing in Tetnuldi or Hatsvali resorts

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Where to Go After Svaneti

• Kutaisi – Caves, caverns, and abandoned Soviet sanitoriums

• Batumi – For a seaside contrast with vibrant cafes and subtropical vibes
• Tbilisi – Culture, cuisine, and history in the capital

• Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) – Stunning mountain village with Gergeti Trinity Church

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Final Tips

• Dress warmly — it’s deep winter in the mountains.
• Bring cash, as ATMs are limited in small villages. I found that many places, such as restaurants in Mestia, are cash only.
• Learn a few phrases in Georgian or Svan, or hire a guide.
• Respect local customs, shrines, and family traditions.

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My Experience at Lamproba Festival

I’m really glad I visited Mestia to witness Lamproba Festival. It’s a crude comparison, but this festival really reminded me of Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico; it’s a time to gather together and remember those who have passed on. I found the experience of attending Lamproba to be very emotional and I wish we had something similar in my culture.

So, whether you’re a cultural traveller, a history lover, or simply drawn to the road less travelled, Lamproba is a powerful reminder that some traditions still burn bright, high in the mountains of Georgia.

Pack your warmest clothes, an open heart, and get ready to witness one of the most unique winter festivals in the world.

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