A Dreaming Day in Tbilisi – The First Junior Delphic Games 1997
In the turbulent aftermath of the Cold War, amidst political tension and fresh scars from conflict, something extraordinary happened in Tbilisi, Georgia: the first Junior Delphic Games of the modern era. What began as a delicate spark of hope became a shining symbol of cultural reconciliation and shared humanity – particularly between nations still recovering from division and distrust.
In April 1997, around 1,700 young artists from 16 countries came together in the Georgian capital. Participants from Georgia, Russia, Germany, Armenia, China, Japan, Nigeria, Benin, the USA, and more gathered not to compete, but to connect – through music, dance, theatre, painting, and shared celebration. In a country that had only recently emerged from civil war and ethnic strife, art became the common language of healing.
The Games were held under the patronage of Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, a key figure in both Soviet history and the country’s move toward peace. A greeting from Yehudi Menuhin, the legendary violinist and humanitarian, added a profound sense of dignity and inspiration. Supported by the UNESCO and the Council of Europe, the Games sent a clear message: culture and youth can lead where politics falter.
This event marked the first major milestone after the founding of the International Delphic Council (IDC) in 1994. It was more than a festival – it was a vision brought to life, proving that understanding and unity were possible even between Georgian and Russian youth, despite recent tensions and painful histories.
Under the theme “A Dreaming Day”, the Junior Delphic Games became a vibrant moment of peace. They stood – and still stand – as a cultural beacon showing that creativity can overcome division, and that young voices, when united, carry the power to heal the world.