Georgian Culture Day in New York

Georgian Culture Day in New York
New York City was once again filled with color, music, and the aroma of hospitality. Georgian Culture Day was vibrant, festive, and warm, bringing together government officials, community leaders, and numerous guests. Diana Bagrationi, president of the Bagrationi Foundation, is credited with making Georgia Day possible in New York City. Georgia Day was established approximately seven years ago, when Eric Adams, the current mayor of New York City, was president of Brooklyn.
The festival was traditionally organized by the Bagrationi Foundation, led by its inspiration and president, the energetic and charismatic Diana Bagrationi, who has been providing assistance to children with cancer in various countries for many years, primarily to the pediatric oncology department at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, as well as to oncology departments in Georgia, Ukraine, Israel, and Russia.
Dear Diana, a kind soul, a dove of peace, as she is called, speaks and understands that it is impossible to help everyone, but even if the life of one child is saved, regardless of skin color or religion, then her life will not have been lived in vain!
A particularly touching moment was the speech of her youngest son, Mikhail. He spoke sincerely and lovingly about his parents—about how he had volunteered since childhood, helped at events, and played the saxophone. Today, Mikhail Kurtey is a successful financier, but at the celebration, he presented himself first and foremost as a son proud of his family. His words of gratitude touched the audience.
The ceremony opened with the American and Georgian national anthems performed by the brilliant Nina Shermadini. Anna Treyer-Simakova, Director of the Foundation, delivered the opening remarks.
Manhattan President Mark Levin addressed the participants, emphasizing the Georgian community's contribution to New York City's development. Georgian small businesses—restaurants, cafes, shops, and beauty salons—contribute to the US economy. Diana Bagrationi, while promoting Georgian culture in America, also helps talented children.
Certificates of honor were presented by Congressmen Nicole Malliotakis and Hakeem Jeffries, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Manhattan President Mark Levin, New York State Senators Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Steve Chan, and Assembly Members Mikhail Novakhov and Alec Brook-Krasny.
Among the awardees were Yan Pronin, assistant medical director of the oncology department at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, who has been saving and prolonging the lives of people suffering from cancer for over 20 years, and American doctor Natalia Idelevich, with 30 years of experience, who has treated people in Israel and the United States and has worked for many years in New York and Brighton. Honorary certificates were also received by the wonderful lawyer Isabella Mazel, the Magnolia trio, and others.
It was a pleasure to see the awarding of certificates of honor to workers who contribute to the economy and culture of American society.
Former City Council member Ari Kagan and Assemblyman Michael Novakhov spoke forcefully.
The evening's beautiful culmination was a performance by the artists. Khatuna Chokhonelidze, a soloist with the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, arrived from Georgia at the invitation.
The Italian singer, guest from Palermo, Paolo Levantino, presented the audience with famous arias of world opera.
The festive atmosphere was magnificently enhanced by the incomparable vocalist Vlad Aramov, host of radio programs on RusRek 96.3 FM-HD3 New York, who combined classics and American hits in his performance, and it was incomparably impressive and beautiful. He was presented with a certificate by Senator Steve Chan.
And, of course, there was a lavish Georgian feast. Tables groaned with delicacies, and Bagrationi champagne flowed freely. The Chacho wine company, founded in 2025 by Zinaida Vashakidze and Tamari Tchatchia, sponsored the event. They produce wine using the ancient Georgian method, in clay vessels. Georgian wine is one of the oldest in the world, with an 8,000-year history.
The celebration concluded on a high note of joy, pride, and cultural unity. New York was once again convinced that Georgian culture is a feast for the soul.
Marina Lagunova