Lomisoba 2024 in Georgia

Lomisi is a picturesque mountain in Eastern Georgia where visitors may witness one of the most colorful and controversial folk festivals, which is celebrated on the first Wednesday after the Trinity holiday. Lomisoba is considered a Georgian religious shrine that has existed since pre-Christian times. Its name is associated with the ancient deity, the bull Loma.

The title Lomisa was bestowed upon the moon deity. Legend has it that the Lomisa deity was both a hunter and a horseman. Consequently, following the Christianization of mountainous areas, Lomisa became linked with St. George, who was also recognized as a horseman and a warrior for Christ. An Orthodox church was then built on the site where the moon deity was worshipped.

Lomisoba Rituals

It's accompanied by sheep offerings and rituals. For example, kids lay on the ground, and adults pretend to step on them, which is supposed to bring luck. Lots of wine and meat are traditionally consumed during the festival. Because of massive sheep sacrifice, the festival is accompanied by protests from animal rights groups. ​

According to tradition, before the beginning of the sacrifice, people attend a solemn liturgy at night. After that, the ritual begins on Tuesday, when the twelve apostles carry icons, a cross, and a flag from the temple of Lomisa. There are the sounds of bells calling people to join the gathering place. The sacrifice takes place on Mount Lomisa. The church minister burns the sheep's fur with candles in two places: under the ear, near the stomach, and again under the ear. After that, the sacrifice takes place.

The ritual of slaughter persists to this day; however, it relocated from the temple to a slightly elevated location beneath a mountain. For generations, many have arrived with the conviction that their prayers would be answered and have offered animal sacrifices to St. George, typically a sheep.