Soviet Occupation Day (Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Soviet Occupation Day |
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Museum of the Soviet Occupation, Tbilisi
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| Observed by | Georgia |
| Date | 25 February |
| Next time | 25 February 2026 |
| Frequency | annual |
Soviet Occupation Day (Georgian: საბჭოთა ოკუპაციის დღე, sabch'ot'a okupats'iis dge) is a special day in the country of Georgia. It is remembered every year on February 25. This day marks when the Red Army entered Georgia in 1921. The holiday was created in 2010, and people first observed it in 2011.
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What is Soviet Occupation Day?
Soviet Occupation Day is a time for people in Georgia to remember an important event from their history. It helps them think about the past and the changes that happened in their country.
Why is this day remembered?
This day remembers when the Red Army, which was the army of the Soviet Union, came into Georgia. This happened in February 1921. At that time, Georgia was a free country called the Democratic Republic of Georgia. It was led by a group known as the Mensheviks.
The Red Army Enters Georgia
In February 1921, soldiers from the Red Army entered Georgia. They defeated the Georgian army, and the government leaders had to leave the country. On February 25, 1921, the Red Army reached the capital city, Tbilisi. They set up a new government that followed communist ideas. This new government was led by a Georgian Bolshevik named Filipp Makharadze. On that same day, the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic was formed. For the next 68 years, February 25 was celebrated as a holiday called the Day of Establishment of Soviet Power in Georgia.
How the Day Was Established
On July 21, 2010, Georgia decided to make February 25 Soviet Occupation Day. This was to remember the 1921 events. The Parliament of Georgia (which is like their country's main law-making group) voted for this idea. Everyone in parliament agreed.
Remembering Victims and Raising Flags
The decision tells the government to plan special events every February 25. These events help people remember the many victims who suffered under the communist government. On this day, national flags are flown halfway down the pole. This is a way to show respect and sadness for those who were affected.
Other Countries Remember Too
Georgia was not the only country to create a day like this. Moldova also tried to set up a Soviet Occupation Day in 2010. Their president, Mihai Ghimpu, wanted to remember when the Soviet Union took over parts of Moldova in 1940. However, a court in Moldova later canceled his decision. In Latvia, another country, they have a day called Occupation of the Latvian Republic Day. It became an official remembrance day in 2000 and is observed on June 17.
