23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Drone/Aerial
Leloburti - Georgian tradition

Lelo is an ancient Georgian sport played during Easter in a few villages - this one may be the last that celebrates it. Men from neighboring areas compete to carry a heavy ball (around 17 kg), placed by a priest, across a river. There are no fixed rules on team size; any able-bodied man may join. Lelo is more than a game - it’s a living symbol of identity, heritage, and community.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Georgia
Camera: FC8482
Copyright: © Agnieszka Wieczorek