Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue is no stranger to history, having hosted countless protests, parades, and cultural celebrations over the years. Yet, in recent days, it transformed into something unique: a living stage where Georgia’s ancient heritage and contemporary struggle converged. Thousands marched from the Philharmonic Hall to the steps of the Parliament, united by a singular message of resistance and hope.
Among the flags of Georgia and the European Union, and the chants of “Long live Georgia,” an electrifying sight unfolded—citizens and professional dancers performing Khorumi, the iconic Georgian battle dance. What began as a protest against the government’s decision to delay European Union negotiations until 2028 has evolved into something far greater. Khorumi, an ancient dance rooted in Georgia’s martial traditions, has emerged as the rallying cry for a nation demanding freedom, dignity, and a future within the European family.
Khorumi in the Streets: The Rebirth of an Ancient Ritual
The decision to make Khorumi the centerpiece of the protest was no mere artistic flourish. This martial dance, born in the Adjara region, was historically performed by warriors preparing for battle. With its precision, discipline, and unity of movement, Khorumi is a visual embodiment of strength and strategy—qualities that resonate deeply in a nation long accustomed to resisting foreign domination.
In today’s context, Khorumi has transcended its original function to become a symbol of peaceful resistance. By marching through the streets performing this dance, protesters turned the public space into a theater of defiance. Their choreography—fluid, synchronized, and unyielding—sent a clear message: The Georgian people will not waver in their pursuit of justice and democracy.
A Dance of Resistance: History Rewritten in Movement
To understand the power of Khorumi in this protest, we must first understand its origins. Traditionally, Khorumi was performed by small groups of men, enacting the preparation and tactics of war. The dance begins with stealthy movements, mimicking reconnaissance missions, before building into an explosive display of strength and coordination.
This structure is a metaphor for Georgia’s historical resilience. For centuries, the nation has faced invasions, occupations, and political upheavals, yet it has endured, thanks to its ability to adapt and unify. In the context of the current protests, the dance’s progression mirrors the trajectory of the movement itself—from isolated voices of dissent to a powerful collective demanding change.
Cultural Identity on the March: The Meaning of Khorumi Today
Khorumi has always been more than just a performance—it is a statement of identity. Its every movement speaks to the Georgian spirit: bold, resilient, and deeply connected to the land and community.
By incorporating Khorumi into the march, the protesters invoked this cultural heritage to strengthen their message. This was not simply a display of traditional art, but an assertion of what it means to be Georgian in the 21st century. The inclusion of the European Union flag in the performance further underscored this point, suggesting that Georgia’s future lies in embracing its unique identity while aligning with broader democratic values.
The dance’s communal nature—where individual dancers move in harmony to create a cohesive whole—reflects the unity of the protesters. It symbolizes the idea that Georgia’s strength lies not in isolated efforts but in the collective will of its people, whether they hail from Kutaisi, Adjara, Racha, Samegrelo, or Svaneti.
Khorumi as a Metaphor for Existence
On a deeper level, Khorumi encapsulates a profound philosophical duality. It is a dance of contrasts: stealth and action, chaos and order, individuality and collectivity. These contrasts mirror the existential struggles of a nation caught between past and future, tradition and progress.
In the protests, Khorumi became a metaphor for the ongoing battle within Georgia itself—a nation striving to reconcile its ancient heritage with its aspirations for a European future. The choreography’s disciplined yet dynamic nature reflects the balance Georgia seeks: preserving its cultural identity while embracing modernity and change.
The decision to perform Khorumi alongside slogans like “Long live Georgia!” underscores the inseparability of culture and politics. In this context, the dance becomes a form of nonviolent resistance, a way of asserting values without resorting to aggression.
Bridging Tradition and Modernity
From an anthropological perspective, the performance of Khorumi in the streets of Tbilisi represents a fascinating evolution of traditional rituals. While the dance has long been a staple of cultural festivals and staged performances, its adaptation for a political protest signals its enduring relevance.
In this new context, Khorumi serves as a ritual of resistance. Its public performance transforms the act of protest into a communal event, where participants and spectators alike are drawn into a shared experience. The presence of amateur dancers alongside professionals further blurs the line between art and activism, demonstrating that culture is not the domain of an elite few but a living, breathing force that belongs to everyone.
By performing Khorumi while marching for EU alignment, the protesters made a powerful statement: Georgia’s identity is both deeply rooted and outward-looking. This act of cultural diplomacy also highlights the role of art in fostering dialogue. While political rhetoric often polarizes, the universal language of dance has the power to connect people across boundaries. The sight of Khorumi performed in this context is a reminder that culture can be a bridge, not a barrier, in the pursuit of shared values.
A New Generation Takes the Lead
The involvement of students and educators from institutions like the Kakha Bendukidze campus adds another layer of significance to the protests. By embracing Khorumi as a form of expression, these young leaders are not only preserving their heritage, but also redefining its meaning for a new era.
This integration of education and culture into the protests highlights the role of academia in shaping a politically engaged and culturally aware society. It is a testament to the power of youth to drive change, using tools as old as their nation itself.
Khorumi as the Heartbeat of a Movement
The sight of thousands performing Khorumi in the streets of Tbilisi is a moment that will be etched in Georgia’s history. It is a testament to the power of culture to unite, inspire, and amplify the voices of a people striving for a better future.
Khorumi has always been a dance of warriors, but in this context, it has become a dance of citizens—citizens who refuse to be silenced, who embrace their heritage even as they demand change. As the rhythms of the doli drum echoed through the streets and the dancers’ movements spoke volumes, the message was clear: Georgia is a nation that dances not just to celebrate its past, but to fight for its future.
By Ivan Nechaev
