Tamada
The toastmaster who leads a Georgian supra with a series of toasts.
Also: toastmaster
The tamada is the person chosen to lead a Georgian feast, who proposes the toasts, directs the table and keeps the mood. He is expected to speak well, to hold his wine, and to know the order of toasts and the history of the family and nation. Others may add to a toast only with his permission. The best tamada is respected for wit and wisdom, and the role is often passed to an elder or a talented speaker. Drinking happens only after a toast, and guests are expected to hold their glasses until the toast is finished. A good tamada makes the meal memorable.
Region: Central Asia and the Caucasus