Waiting for the New Year: festive atmosphere in Abkhazia

Despite the lack of snow this winter, cities and regions in Abkhazia are working to create a festive atmosphere for the New Year. In the capital, parks and squares are adorned with illumination, Christmas trees are displayed in shop windows, and the main Christmas tree on Freedom Square in Sukhum is illuminated with hundreds of lights. All preparations are complete for welcoming 2023.

The light displays on Sukhum's main New Year's square are a popular subject for photographers.

As is tradition, shopkeepers in the city compete with each other to create the most beautiful design.

They discuss their plans for the coming year, make wishes, and set goals while enjoying a cup of tea at a cafe.

The capital's tree has already become a popular spot for residents and visitors to take New Year's photo.

Groups of people come to the square to get into the festive mood, watch an open-air movie, and sip on hot cocoa.

Even the trolleybuses in Sukhum serve as a reminder that the New Year 2023 is fast approaching.