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Social media users in Abkhazia are sounding the alarm: the traditional harvest festival of Lykhnashta has turned into a food show. Video footage showing Russian tourists sweeping free food off the tables has sparked widespread outrage, verging on panic.

Lykhnashta is a traditional autumn harvest festival held in mid-October in a meadow of the same name in Abkhazia’s Gudauta district. Farmers showcase their produce and serve visitors traditional Abkhaz dishes. The festivities also feature folk celebrations, horse-riding competitions, archery and other traditional spectacles and activities.

The festival has a centuries-old history and holds great significance for Abkhaz people. However, in recent years, locals have increasingly complained that it has “mutated” into an all-you-can-eat buffet for greedy and ill-mannered tourists.

The authors of a popular blog about tourism say some travel agencies and unlicensed guides organise food tours on the day, advertising the food laid out on the tables as “free grub” without explaining the festival’s significance or the rules of behaviour to visitors.

As a result, tourists — mostly Russians, who make up the bulk of visitors to Abkhazia — sometimes do more than simply eat the food in unlimited quantities. They try to take as much as they can away with them, stuffing bags with anything they can reach and even stripping edible decorations from the displays.

Many locals now prefer to avoid the festival altogether rather than witness this disgraceful behaviour. Meanwhile, social media users are collectively trying to work out how to prevent the festival from being ruined for good. One proposal is to ban tourists from attending altogether.

Dancing, language, archery – “national hobbies” gaining popularity in Abkhazia

“National hobbies” in Abkhazia

ПProfessional event organiser Khibla Vozba believes such radical measures are unnecessary and that the problem lies not with the guests, but with the hosts. He says the festival has largely turned into a food event and that organisers need to restore its former, more culturally focused format.

“Why does the current format fail? Because if free food is the festival’s main attraction, it will draw people who come for the food. No amount of urging them to behave differently will change that. The structure needs to change.”

In his view, the emphasis should shift from food and hospitality to history. After all, the meadow where the festival takes place is a fascinating and sacred site where the Abkhaz people have gathered for centuries to discuss important issues collectively.

“I propose refocusing Lykhnashta on ethnography and history and turning it into Abkhazia’s biggest event, where visitors can discover our traditions, culture and rituals and learn about the people’s ancient history. Food will remain part of the festival, but it will no longer take centre stage,” Khibla Vozba writes.

In his view, the festival could centre on a theatrical performance featuring a historical re-enactment staged by professionals. Organisers could also offer something like an introduction to ethnography, explaining ancient customs and traditions.

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Vozba acknowledges that this transformation will take more than a year and will not be easy, but believes it will be worth the effort.

“The first few years will bring resistance: both visitors and organisers will have to give up familiar habits. But the result will be an event that attracts a different audience, encourages different behaviour on site and projects a different image in the media. Lykhnashta will become a festival that people travel to Abkhazia for, including outside the summer season.”

He adds that each era has given the festival its own meaning, and that the task today is to restore Lykhnashta’s dignity and purpose.

The terminology, place names and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of this website.

Abkhazia’s harvest festival

Below is the weekly digest of key developments and discourses in and around the occupied regions of Abkhazia and  Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, as well as those concerning Tbilisi–Moscow relations.

Sokhumi

• Occupied Abkhazia to Host Domino Championship in 2027

The decision to hold the next championship in occupied Abkhazia was unanimously taken by the General Assembly of the International Domino Federation. The de facto foreign ministry welcomed the decision, describing international sporting events as an important tool for humanitarian engagement, strengthening friendly ties between peoples, and promoting international cooperation.

In its statement, the agency emphasized the importance of maintaining open and non-politicized international sports cooperation, expressing Abkhazia’s readiness to welcome participants from different countries to sporting events held in the region.

The statement also accused Georgian authorities of repeatedly attempting to politicize the participation of Abkhaz athletes in international sporting events, arguing that such approaches contradict the spirit of international sports cooperation and the principles of humanitarian engagement. It stressed that sport should remain free from political considerations.

Abkhazia became a member of the International Domino Federation in 2008, when it was headed by Venezuelan Lucas Guittard. The Federation is currently presided over by Manuel Oquendo, who also serves as president of the US National Domino Federation. Abkhazia previously hosted the championship in 2011.

• Russian and Abkhaz Forces Hold Joint Military Exercises

Joint operational and tactical military exercises involving Abkhaz armed formations and the Russian Armed Forces are being held in occupied Abkhazia from October 12 to 16.

According to local media reports, the exercises began with troops being placed on the highest level of combat readiness. Particular attention was given to coordination between the Abkhaz and Russian forces and the use of new tactical approaches in modern combined-arms combat.

De facto Abkhaz leader Badra Gunba attended the exercises and emphasized their importance in improving the armed forces’ combat readiness. He said the drills would strengthen Abkhazia’s “defense capabilities” and ensure its “security.”

• Occupied Abkhazia Sees Growing Tensions Over Illegal Russian Tour Guides

Tensions between licensed Abkhaz tour guides and Russian tour operators working without local permits are escalating in occupied Abkhazia, according to local media reports. The long-running dispute recently led to a confrontation between an Abkhaz guide and a Russian bus driver, with both summoned to the local police department to provide explanations.

Abkhaz guides accuse Russian tour operators of conducting guided tours illegally, depriving local professionals of income and tax revenue. They also argue that visiting guides often lack knowledge of the region’s history and culture and make offensive remarks about the local population.

The de facto Abkhaz parliament has tightened penalties for unauthorized tourism activities. According to new regulations, violations are punishable by fines of 18,000 rubles for a first offense and 36,000 rubles for repeat offenses. Tours conducted without the required permits may be stopped, with buses turned back to Russia.

Since July 2026, the de facto interior ministry and ministry of tourism have been conducting joint inspections along major tourist routes. During one recent operation, inspectors reportedly identified more than 10 minibuses in which Russian citizens were conducting tours without the necessary permits. The de facto authorities have indicated that regular inspections will continue as tensions over competition in the tourism sector persist.

• Sokhumi, Moscow Discuss Educational Cooperation and University Quotas

De facto Abkhaz leader Badra Gunba met with Andrey Yemelyanov, deputy head of Russia’s Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo), to discuss educational cooperation, professional training, and humanitarian ties between Moscow and Sokhumi.

Gunba thanked Rossotrudnichestvo for supporting the training of qualified specialists, including by providing Abkhaz students with quotas to study at Russian universities. He noted a growing interest among Abkhaz applicants in technical fields, particularly civil aviation and energy, alongside traditionally popular disciplines such as law, medicine, and economics. He also expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the educational opportunities offered to Abkhaz youth.

Yemelyanov reaffirmed Rossotrudnichestvo’s commitment to continuing humanitarian cooperation and educational programs, including maintaining the current level of assistance.

Meanwhile, an international inter-university education exhibition opened in Sokhumi, bringing together representatives of ten Russian universities. Organized by Rossotrudnichestvo’s office, the event provides detailed information on academic programs, admission requirements, and study opportunities at Russian universities.

• Drones in Abkhazia

New reports came on October 11 that drone debris was found in Abkhazia after they were reportedly intercepted following an attack on the Russian city of Sochi. Drones of unconfirmed origins were reported in Abkhazia in July and March this year. 

Tskhinvali

• Two Illegally Detained Georgian Citizens Released From Tskhinvali Custody

Two Georgian citizens who were detained near the Tskhinvali occupation line on September 3 have been released and returned to the Tbilisi-controlled territory, the State Security Service of Georgia said on October 9. 

• Putin Approves Signing of a Treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the signing of “On Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters,” with the occupied Tskhinvali region, according to local news agency Res. Putin instructed Russia’s Federal Customs Service to sign the agreement on behalf of the Russian Federation once the parties reach an understanding on its terms, authorizing the service to make non-fundamental changes to the draft agreement.

• Tskhinvali’s De Facto PM Tapped

Marat Kambolov, the newly “elected” de facto president of the Tskhinvali region, has nominated Soslan Margiev for the post of “prime minister,” local media outlet Res reported. Margiev, 44, reportedly was born in Tskhinvali and has worked in Russia’s judicial system for more than two decades, including 15 years as a judge. Under a May 9 “treaty” between Moscow and Tskhinvali, “citizens” of either side can hold “state and municipal positions” on the other. Kambolov, whose “election” came months after the treaty was signed, was himself a longtime official in Russia, with no prior connection to the occupied region.

• Kambolov Appoints Heads of “Ministries,” “Agencies” in Tskhinvali

Kambolov made a series of staff appointments as part of the formation of the region’s updated executive branch structure. According to Kambolov’s decrees, the heads of key “ministries” are now Radion Gabaraev (“Ministry of Internal Affairs”), Yuri Yarovitsky (“Ministry of Defense”), Vladimir Pukhaev (“Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergency Situations, and Disaster Relief”), and Akhsar Jioev (“Ministry of Foreign Affairs”).

In addition, Igor Tasoev was appointed “Minister of Culture,” Inna Dzudtsova headed the “Ministry of Finance,” and Oleg Gagloev headed the “Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.” Erislav Zasseev was appointed “Minister of Agriculture and Food.” Alena Kochieva was appointed “Minister of Land and Property Relations.”

The heads of several “state services” that were established under the committees were also appointed. Aslan Basiev was appointed head of the “State Customs Service,” Mairbeg Guchmazov was appointed head of the “State Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision,” Rita Dzutsati was appointed head of the “State Service for Registration, Cadaster, and Cartography,” and Marina Kochieva was appointed head of the “State Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Consumer Protection and Human Well-Being.”

The appointments were made following the approval of the new structure of the executive branch and are part of the formation of the region’s new management team.

• Tskhinvali’s “Ministry of Defense” Launches Combat Readiness Check

The “Ministry of Defense” of the occupied Tskhinvali region has launched a comprehensive inspection of its units following the 2026 summer training period, the local news agency Res reported. During the inspection, military personnel will conduct test firings with their standard-issue weapons, carry out tactical and tactical-specialized training exercises, and undergo drill inspections and physical fitness tests.

In addition, the commission will assess the units’ combat readiness, the quality of official documentation, and the condition of weapons, military equipment, and supplies. Upon completion of all stages of the inspection, a final assessment of the units’ operational and combat performance during the past training period will be compiled.

• Volodin Thanks Tskhinvali ‘Lawmakers’ for Observing State Duma Elections

Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma, expressed his gratitude to the deputies of the “parliament” of the occupied Tskhinvali region for participating in the observation of the elections for Russian State Duma MPs. According to the local news agency Res, in a letter published on the region’s “parliament” website, Volodin stated that State Duma MPs appreciate the level of bilateral interparliamentary cooperation. According to him, this cooperation is based on the principles of mutual respect, the absence of double standards, and non-interference in internal affairs. The elections for deputies to the 9^th State Duma of Russia took place from September 18 to 20, 2026.

• “Prosecutor’s Office” in Tskhinvali Investigates Legality of Firearms Circulation

The “prosecutor’s office” of the occupied Tskhinvali region has launched a large-scale investigation into the legality of firearms circulation. The local news agency Res reported that this work is being carried out on the instruction of the region’s leader, Marat Kambolov. The “prosecutor’s office” has been tasked with verifying the legality of the storage and issuance of firearms, determining the number of licenses issued for their acquisition, and compiling lists of individuals who have been awarded firearms. In addition, an inventory of registered firearms in Tskhinvali and the region’s districts will be conducted, and compliance with storage requirements will be verified. The inspection covers civilian, service, and military small arms, as well as bladed weapons.

• “Foreign Ministry” in Tskhinvali Criticizes Statements by Leadership of Georgian Orthodox Church

The “Foreign Ministry” of the occupied Tskhinvali region criticized statements made by representatives of the Georgian Orthodox Church at an international symposium marking the 1,700^th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity in Georgia. The region’s “foreign ministry” stated that calls for “reunification” with Georgia are a continuation of previous political rhetoric, and rejected the use of the term “Tskhinvali region” in reference to “South Ossetia.” The statement also contains assertions that Georgia’s approaches do not correspond to historical facts and criticizes the failure to assess the actions of the Georgian authorities during the conflicts of past years. The region’s “foreign ministry” deemed statements about restoring unity and brotherhood to be unacceptable, as they did not address the claims raised nor the historical assessments of the statement’s authors.

Moscow-Tbilisi

• Russia Suspends Key Georgian Imports

Russia suspended the import and sale of some alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks – including Nabeghlavi mineral water, Coca-Cola, and wine – from several key Georgian producers, reportedly citing “temporary sanitary measures” without indicating the period of suspension. 

Zurab Margvelashvili, director of Tbilvino, one of the companies whose wine production was suspended, said the reason Moscow reportedly cited, failure of companies to comply with the safety and other requirements, is “made-up,” comparing the suspension to the 2006 embargo Russia imposed on Georgian products. In 2006, Russia similarly banned imports of Georgian wine and mineral water, a move seen at the time as part of Moscow’s strategy to pressure westward-looking Tbilisi.

Russia has remained the main market for Georgian wine, while wine, spirits, and water have also been Georgia’s top export products to Russia. More facts and figures here. 

• Galuzin Holds Preparatory Meeting for Geneva International Discussions

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin held an online meeting with the co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) to prepare for the next round scheduled for November.

According to a Russian Foreign Ministry press release, Galuzin again stressed the need to step up efforts to ensure “lasting security” for Sokhumi and Tskhinvali by securing Tbilisi’s commitment not to use force against the regions, as well as launching “border” delimitation and demarcation processes.

• Fine for Insult

A 42-year-old resident of Russia’s Kursk region was fined 10,000 rubles after posting an obscene comment insulting Georgians on social media. The comment reportedly appeared under a video showing an August incident in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region, where a Russian-speaking woman was punched by a Georgian man amid a wider wedding controversy.

• MediaWatch: Disputes with EU, Economic Issues with Russia Dominated Russian Media Coverage of Georgia

Throughout the week, Russian media actively covered criticism by Georgian authorities and pro-government experts of the positions of the European Union and the European Parliament. Significant attention was paid to statements by representatives of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, who claimed that the European Parliament had lost its former role and authority and was in a “civilizational abyss.” Separately, the Russian media quoted Georgian experts who accused European institutions of applying double standards toward Tbilisi.

Another notable theme was criticism of European politicians by representatives of the Georgian authorities. In particular, Russian media widely circulated statements containing ironic comments directed at HR/VP Kaja Kallas, and assessments of her competence regarding Georgia. The reports were presented in the context of ongoing disagreements between Tbilisi and European institutions.

Attention was also focused on Georgia’s economic relations with Russia. It was reported that the Georgian side intended to analyze the reasons behind Russia’s ban on imports of certain Georgian products. At the same time, Russian media continued to cover statements by Georgian politicians criticizing the EU for its allegedly selective approach to assessing the actions of law enforcement agencies during protests in European countries.

Also Read:

• 02/10/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 25-October 1, 2026
• 25/09/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 18-24, 2026
• 18/09/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 11-17, 2026
• 11/09/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 1-10, 2026