Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
A Divine Presence

In a high-altitude village in Peru, during preparations for annual celebrations with traditional dances, I was captivated by a young girl dancing. Her determination and pride in her ancestral culture were striking. As she danced, her bright yellow hat seemed to transform into a halo, elevating her presence. That moment deeply emphasized the Andean community’s reverence for their past and traditions—a stark contrast to the forward-focused mindset of the Western world.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2023
Date Uploaded: 10.2024
Photo Location: pampayacta, Peru
Camera: LEICA SL2
Copyright: © thibault gerbaldi