The 2024 Gemo Fest food and drink festival in Kutaisi, a city in western Georgia, had local hosts transforming their traditional dishes into street food delights for visitors in the central Veriko Anjaparidze Square.
The Georgian National Tourism Agency (GNTA) said the organizers, as per annual tradition, sought to create “a very interesting environment with fun and entertaining music.”
“Organizers collaborated with up to 20 local hosts to adapt their traditional dishes into street food offerings for guests to enjoy at the food court. Attendees were able to explore bars, wine and artisan markets, zones for children, a photo booth, installations, and music shows,” the GNTA noted.
“For the busy tourist season, Gemo Fest is one of the most interesting events not only in the region, but throughout the country, and tourist companies take it into account in their programs,” Mari Devidze, Executive Director of Imereti Destination Management Organization, told Agenda.ge. “We are happy to host both tourists and guests from other regions of Georgia.”
The inaugural Gemo Fest took place in 2022 in Ambrolauri, Racha, and in Mestia in Svaneti. Each festival has been noted to have a positive impact on local businesses. Indeed, beneficiaries in Racha later opened a café on Orbeliani Square in Tbilisi, ensuring sustainability beyond tourism promotion.
Kutaisi hosted an exceptionally big festival this year, with participants from different parts of the Imereti region. The idea is that local contributors each present a dish, and renowned chefs add a modern twist to the offerings. If you missed it this year, be sure to mark it into your diary for 2025!
By Team GT
