Georgia village revives Berikaoba, an ancient pagan spring festival

Georgia wakes to noise and colour in Didi Chailuri each spring. For one day, masked performers called berikas run down from the hills and fill the streets of this Kakheti village. They shout, crack whips and smear mud, then knock on gates to collect bread, wine and sweets. The ritual is called Berikaoba, an ancient …

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