23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Where heritage lives
Each Easter in a Georgian village, the ancient game of Lelo brings the community together. A priest places a 17kg ball in the field, starting the match where men from nearby villages compete to carry it across a river. This year, the priest was honored with a tribute for keeping the custom alive. Lelo remains a powerful symbol of heritage and identity.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 04.2025 |
| Date Uploaded: | 11.2025 |
| Photo Location: | Georgia |
| Camera: | NIKON Z 8 |
| Copyright: | © Agnieszka Wieczorek |