Lelo Burti: The Ancient Game that Unites the Georgian People

Forget chocolate bunnies and egg hunts – in the village of Shukhuti, Georgia, Easter Sunday means one thing: Lelo Burti! This isn't just a game, it's a cultural phenomenon where, every year, hundreds of villagers transform into warriors, not with weapons, but with a giant, 16-kilo leather ball called the Lelo. Two teams, Upper and Lower Shukhuti, pushing, pulling, and strategizing to move the Lelo towards the creek where the goal is scored. There are no strict rules, just an unwritten code of respect and a burning desire to win.

Before the chaos begins, the day starts with prayers, delicious Georgian food, and a glass of wine (don't overdo it, though!). The priest blesses the Lelo, and then the game explodes.

RugbyPass' Mike McCarthy travels to the depths of Georgia to take part in the ancient contact folk sport known as Lelo Burti. McCarthy's trip is free to watch on YouTube: The ferocious folk sport that forges gods from mortals | Lelo Burti



The camerawork captures it all – the nervous anticipation, the roar of the crowd, and the heart-pounding struggle for victory. It captures the palpable tension before the game, the roar as the Lelo is released, and the heart-stopping fight for victory. You feel transported, not just as an observer, but as a participant, running with the Lelo, tasting the dust, and experiencing the game to the fullest. it's a test of physical and mental endurance, pushing participants to their limits.

“It’s absolutely crazy but it’s absolutely brilliant at the same time.” - Mike McCarthy, the presenter

But Lelo Burti is more than just sweat and dust. It's a deep-rooted tradition. After the final whistle, the winners carry the Lelo to the cemetery, honoring ancestors and celebrating the cycle of life. Speaking of tradition, Shukhuti is home to a 93-year-old blacksmith who has been a part of the game nearly his whole life! He's a living testament to how this game binds families and keeps the spirit of the village alive.

So, if you're looking for an experience beyond the ordinary, come to Shukhuti. Witness Lelo Burti, not just as a game, but as a window into Georgian culture, where ancient rituals meet raw passion under the Easter sun.