tamada

Tamada refers to the toastmaster or master of ceremonies in Georgian hospitality and wedding traditions. The tamada is typically a respected elder or skilled speaker who leads the feast’s toasts, sets the tone, and guides the rhythm of speeches and drinking.

The primary duties of a tamada include introducing and delivering toasts, steering the sequence of speakers, and encouraging participation from guests. A tamada often draws on proverbs, anecdotes, genealogies, and local lore to craft speeches that honor families, friends, and guests. The role requires a blend of oratory ability, social tact, and cultural knowledge, as well as the ability to read the room and adjust the mood and pace of the gathering.

In Georgian culture, toasting is a formal, recurring element of celebrations, with the tamada shaping topics such as hospitality, kinship, and communal bonds. The style can range from solemn and respectful to humorous or even playful, but is generally conducted with hospitality and courtesy in mind. Etiquette emphasizes inclusivity, with the tamada ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to speak or respond.

Gender and regional variations exist: while traditionally male, women may serve as tamadas in some communities, and regional styles of speaking and toast topics can differ. In modern contexts, the role can be filled by a family elder, a hired host, or an event MC, especially in urban or diaspora settings, where formal toasts remain a central feature of celebrations. The tamada remains a recognizable symbol of Georgian hospitality and social ritual.