RACHA

RACHA

       RACHA  is a highland area in western Georgia, located in the upper Rioni river valley and hemmed in by the Greater Caucasus mountains. Under Georgia’s current subdivision, Racha is included in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region as the municipalities of Oni and Ambrolauri.

Culture and traditions:

       Its people are known for their dedication to work, love for wine, and ability to sing. They still maintain ancient traditions of vineyards and winemaking, just as they were described in ancient Greek and Roman writing. During the 19th century, wine bottled in Racha was presented at famous European exhibitions and wine bottlers won prizes which can still be found in local museums. As many as 60 local species of grape vines were cultivated here, including Alexandrouli, Usakhelouri, Mujuretuli, Tsolikouri, Tetra and Ojaleshi. The most popular is Khvanchkara wine, made from grapes that can only grow on the rich lands of Khvanchkara village. The population of Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti is known for viticulture, bee-keeping, production of dairy products, cattle-breeding and horticulture, as well as carpentry and singing. Racha, like most of Georgia, is known for its hospitality. Carpenters of Racha are famous throughout Georgia. One of the biggest contributions they have made to Georgian art is the “Sakvartskhuli,” the chair used by the head of the family. It had three legs and a semi-circular back. Traditionally the back of the chair is decorated with symbolic engravings. In the regions outside of the capital, tourists can watch - and even participate in the process of making traditional crafts. Racha is known for its wood craftsmanship.

              Traditionally, the people from Racha are known for their “measured” slowness and were even featured in a famous Georgian movie called “The Fastest People in the World.” Some of the special dishes and food of Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti include: beans, lori (ham), lobiani (spiced bean stuffed bread, baked or fried), khachapuri (baked cheese stuffed bread), satsivi (chicken in a spiced walnut sauce), gomi (Georgian style grits usually served with cheese), mchadi (fried corn bread usually served with cheese), Georgian cheese (usually soft, salty and homemade), matsoni (fresh homemade yogurt), and pkhali (fresh spinach ground with walnuts and spices). There are also several different dishes with fish, chicken, veal, vegetables, honey, chiri (dried fruit), and jam. A well-known dish called “Shkmeruli” (chicken in garlic sauce) comes from the village of Shkmeri in Racha. Most of the dishes are prepared in clay

pots and adorned for serving.