While open and tolerant of many beliefs, we remain overwhelmingly Orthodox, and Christianity has played an essential role in our identity as a nation across the centuries. The head of the family and primary host, then, leads the introductory toast in honor of the tamada, making way for his role during the event. Usually, his ranking is a mixture of seniority and skills. Subsequently, the toast zero tends to be the designation of the tamada.īeyond his oratory skills and way with words, the tamada is, most of all, a respected member of the family or social circle celebrating the supra. It’s rather common for the tamada of a Georgian supra to be someone other than the host or head of the family organizing the feast. The first toast is not precisely the first toast. While the order in which these toasts are said in has slight variations from region to region, the general structure remains the same across the country. However, there is a list of mainstay topics that, tradition dictates, must be stated in every Georgian supra. Many of them often focus on the particular occasion the supra is dedicated to, with room for improvisation. The topics chosen by the tamada are as varied as his imagination and creativity. After some time, the tamada starts the next topic, and the cycle continues for hours. However, since it’s not viable to do so on large gatherings, guests are not obliged to drink on toasts done by anyone other than the tamada.Īfter every guest made a toast about the chosen topic, that round is over, and they may proceed to eat. In an ideal supra, all guests would drink from their glass after each toast of that round. Anyone else who wants to contribute to the topic may provide his or her point of view, although anyone may opt-out if they do not wish to speak. However, guests are not required to empty their glasses each time, although they’d be most certainly encouraged to drink.Īfter the tamada has given his speech-that can last several minutes if so he wishes-the discussion is open. Naturally, this means he must hold his liquor and not show signs of tipsiness, even after hours of toasting.
It’s an unspoken rule that, after each toast, the tamada should be able to completely empty his glass. Once he is done, it’s time for the toast. He stands up and delivers a small speech featuring the chosen theme, its importance, the emotions it evokes, and whatever miscellaneous specifications he decides to include. The tamada starts a toasting round by providing the topic meant to be celebrated. While in the West most are content to simply utter a phrase and yell “cheers!” before chugging down our drink, in Georgia, there are a set of unspoken rules and methods to follow. It remains rare, but it’s part of the natural evolution of this tradition.
While this role has traditionally been masculine in nature, younger generations have started to assign the role of tamada to women of equally impressive skills and seniority. In fact, the host can choose anyone he deems appropriate as the tamada of the evening, and some men become the staple tamada of choice for many Georgian supra. The toasts are always positive and uplifting, and the tamada has the task of keeping the meeting that way.Īn essential factor to consider is that the tamada does not precisely have to be the host of the supra. Through clever affirmations, intelligent references to culture, and a witty sense of humor, they must guarantee each toast during the supra remains entertaining and lively. They are the tamada, and their role is one of the most important ones during supra. Big blessings, little miracles, and everything in-between are discussed and praised, in meticulous order.Īnd in charge of that order is the ringleader of the celebration. They take place on special occasions and are always a celebration of life. Georgian supra are, by their very nature, festive. The toastmaster-Tamada.īefore embarking on the perilous journey that is understanding Georgian toasts, it’s fundamental to know the basics of supra etiquette. It’s an event that requires all the etiquette and protocol the occasion demands.Īnd you, my dear reader, will get to enjoy a VIP towards the beauty of Georgian toasts. In Georgia, toasting during supra is of utmost importance. In all honesty, the Georgian supra is a cultural and social event-an opportunity to form bonds with family, friends, and guests around a table.īut drinking is far more than just the general merriment brought by wine, and toasting goes beyond “cheers”. Well-known across the world and amidst travelers as the Georgian feast, supra is far more than just a chance to eat and drink to your heart’s content.
If you held me at gunpoint and asked me to pick a single aspect of my country to showcase to foreigners, it’d undeniably be the Georgian supra. The Ultimate Guide to Georgian Supra and Toasts
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