If you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Georgia, attending a supra party should be at the top of your list. Supras are traditional Georgian feasts that involve copious amounts of food, wine, and dancing. They're a celebration of life, friendship, and hospitality, and they're an essential part of Georgian culture.
What is a Supra?
A supra is a traditional Georgian feast that can last for hours or even days. It's a social event that brings together friends, family, and neighbors, and it's an opportunity to celebrate life, share stories, and enjoy good food and wine.
At a supra, the table is set with an array of dishes, including khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), mtsvadi (barbecued meat), and a variety of salads and vegetables. The food is accompanied by copious amounts of wine, which is an integral part of the Georgian culture.
The Toastmaster
At a supra, there's always a toastmaster, or tamada, who leads the festivities. The tamada is responsible for making toasts, which are an essential part of the supra. Georgian toasts are long and elaborate, and they're an opportunity to express gratitude, share stories, and celebrate life.
The tamada must have excellent public speaking skills and a deep understanding of Georgian culture and history. He or she must also be able to hold their liquor, as the tamada is expected to drink more than anyone else at the table.
The Dancing
After the toasts have been made and the food has been eaten, it's time to dance. Georgian dancing is an essential part of the supra, and it's a way to express joy, love, and friendship. The music is usually performed by a live band, and it's a mix of traditional Georgian songs and modern hits.
Georgian dancing is energetic and lively, and it involves intricate footwork and hand movements. It's not uncommon for the guests to dance on the tables or even outside in the street. Georgian dancing is contagious, and it's not long before everyone is on their feet, dancing the night away.
The Dress Code
Georgians take dressing up seriously, and a supra is no exception. Guests are expected to dress formally, with men wearing suits or traditional Georgian attire and women wearing dresses or skirts. The dress code is an essential part of the supra, and it reflects the importance of the event.
The Hospitality
Georgians are known for their hospitality, and a supra is a perfect example of this. Guests are treated like royalty, and they're expected to eat and drink to their heart's content. It's not uncommon for the hosts to insist on refilling glasses and plates, even if the guests are full.
Georgians also have a tradition of welcoming strangers into their homes and treating them like family. If you're lucky enough to be invited to a supra, you'll be treated like a long-lost friend, and you'll leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
The History of Supras
The supra has a long and rich history in Georgia. It dates back to ancient times, when the Georgians would gather around a fire and share food and stories. Over time, the supra evolved into a more formal event, with the tamada taking on a central role.
Supras were an essential part of Georgian life during the Soviet era, as they provided a way for Georgians to express their cultural identity in a time of political repression. Today, supras continue to be an essential part of Georgian culture, and they're a way for Georgians to connect with their past and celebrate their traditions.
The Different Types of Supras
There are many different types of supras in Georgia, each with its own unique traditions and customs. Some supras are held to celebrate weddings or other special occasions, while others are more informal and are held just for fun.
One of the most famous types of supras is the Khevsurian supra, which is held in the mountainous region of Khevsureti. This supra involves a lot of singing and dancing, and it's a way for the Khevsurians to celebrate their unique culture and traditions.
The Importance of Wine
Wine is an essential part of the Georgian supra, and it's considered to be a gift from God. Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, and the Georgians have a long and rich tradition of winemaking.
At a supra, wine is served in a special way. The tamada pours the wine into a large horn-shaped vessel called a kantsi, and then he or she drinks from it before passing it to the next person. This is a way of showing respect for the wine and for the other guests at the table.
The Significance of Toasts
Toasts are an essential part of the Georgian supra, and they're a way of expressing gratitude, sharing stories, and celebrating life. Georgian toasts are long and elaborate, and they often involve poetry and humor.
The tamada is responsible for making the toasts, and he or she must have excellent public speaking skills and a deep understanding of Georgian culture and history. The toasts can cover a wide range of topics, from family and friendship to politics and religion.
The Conclusion
Attending a Georgian supra party is an experience that you'll never forget. It's a celebration of life, friendship, and hospitality, and it's an essential part of Georgian culture. If you're planning a trip to Georgia, make sure to add a supra to your itinerary. You won't regret it.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience the joy of a Georgian supra party.