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