Tbilisi City Guide

In the rolling hills of Guria, a region famous for its lush landscapes and distinct culture, one of Georgia’s most cherished traditions endures: Lelo Burti. Often referred to as the Georgian ancestor of rugby, Lelo Burti is a spirited, rough-and-tumble game with deep roots in Gurian life, celebrating strength, unity, and community pride. Unlike conventional sports, Lelo Burti is more than a game - it’s a symbol of local identity and a rite of passage for many Gurians, particularly in the villages where it has been played for centuries.
What Is Lelo Burti?
Lelo Burti, or simply “Lelo,” is a game where two teams, often representing rival villages, compete to move a large, heavy leather ball (sometimes weighing as much as 16 kilograms or 35 pounds) toward the opposing team’s end of the field. There are no strict rules, and the “field” might include rivers, forests, or whatever terrain happens to exist between the villages. Unlike modern rugby, Lelo Burti has no time limits, no boundaries, and essentially no rules other than the goal: get the ball across the line by any means necessary.
Played annually on Easter Sunday in Guria, Lelo Burti has become a ritual, drawing crowds from across the region to watch or join in. The intensity of the game reflects the spirit and camaraderie of the community, with players known to push, pull, and carry each other, often through mud and rough terrain. Although the game is notoriously physical, the participants view it as an honor, and injuries are accepted as a part of the sport.
Cultural Significance in Guria
In Guria, Lelo Burti represents more than athleticism - it symbolizes courage, endurance, and the Gurian love of tradition. Legend has it that Lelo Burti was first played as a ritualized practice of strength and defense, preparing men to guard their villages and protect the community. The game evolved over time to become a communal celebration, reinforcing village bonds and instilling a sense of unity and pride.
Historically, Lelo was played in various parts of Georgia, but Guria is the region where it remains most celebrated today. The game reflects the close-knit nature of Gurian society, where family, friendship, and loyalty are deeply valued. During the Lelo match, spectators cheer on their teams with fervor, viewing the game as a show of local honor rather than just a competitive sport.
The Influence on Georgian Rugby
Interestingly, Lelo Burti is often cited as a precursor to rugby, with similarities that have intrigued historians and sports enthusiasts alike. The term “lelo” in Georgian actually translates to “try” or “goal,” a term now used in Georgian rugby to describe scoring, aligning closely with rugby terminology. As modern rugby grew in popularity in Georgia, Lelo Burti’s influence became apparent. Rugby has since gained national significance, with Georgia’s rugby teams performing impressively on international stages, a point of pride for many Georgians who see the sport as a continuation of their traditional games. For many, rugby is viewed as a modern extension of Lelo Burti, carrying forward the spirit and resilience of Georgia’s ancestors.
Lelo Burti Today: A Living Tradition
While the game of Lelo is primarily preserved in Guria, it attracts spectators and participants from across the country. For those in the region, preparing for Lelo means more than physical readiness; it’s a communal effort, with villagers of all ages involved in the lead-up to the event. Young men who play Lelo see it as a rite of passage, and those who have participated in the game are regarded with respect.
Every Easter, families gather, bringing food and drinks to share, as the Lelo match unfolds in a lively celebration of old traditions and new friendships. Local elders, many of whom grew up watching or playing Lelo, share stories of past games, reinforcing the cultural significance of the sport to younger generations.
For travelers, witnessing or participating in a Lelo Burti game offers a rare, authentic glimpse into Georgian village life and the undying spirit of Guria. In an age where globalization and modernization touch even the most remote parts of the world, Lelo Burti endures as a testament to Georgia’s commitment to preserving its unique heritage, passion, and the unbreakable bonds of community.