The Liberty of Mandela

Cape Town, 11th of February 2010. This is one of the most important dates in South Africa. This day South Africans celebrate the liberty of Mandela after 27 years in prison. "Madiba" was free in 11th on february of 1990.

© Jonathan González / Babel Images

Resurrection of Jesus

Highlanders during procession for the worship of Jesus' resurrection. Poland, 2010

©  Adam Kokot / Babel Images

Mystery play at the Centre of mentally retarded children

Mary is crying over the tomb of her son Jesus. It is one of scenes of the lordly mystery play which was prepared at the centre for mentally retarded children. Poland, 2010

©  Adam Kokot / Babel Images

I am Jesus, the Son of God.

Since the beginning of XVII century pilgrims from all over Poland and Europe come to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska (30 km from Krakow, Poland) to take part in the most important Passion Play in the country. This year during Easter more than 150 000 pilgrims will come to see the last days of Jesus' life.
This year brother Kalikst will play Jesus, the Son of God. I wonder what does he feel when people pray to him...

© Mieszko Stanislawski / Babel Images

Recycling the history

Wearing a helmet while riding a motorbike seems to be mandatory in Myanmar. Some drivers don't even take them off when walking the streets. And, apparently, one of most popular head protection devices among Burmese people is WWII Wehrmacht helmet with Nazi emblems. They explain they love them so much because swastika - symbol used by Hitler - comes from the ancient (Indo-European) religious background most of them follow within Buddhism.

On the photograph: a young Burmese motorbike driver from Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) in Mandalay Division, Burma.

© Grzegorz Ostrega / Babel Images

En-Shan-ted

The Shan State was opened to foreigners not so long time ago, but in many parts remains nearly untouched and raw. It is enough to go just a few miles into the hills to find villages frozen in the Middle Ages. The Shan people - engaged in decades long civil conflict with the Burmese government - are said to be the biggest minority group in the Union of Myanmar and are famous for their hospitality, broad smiles and excellent food. On this picture: Shan children in the mountain area near Hsipaw, Myanmar, January 2010.

© Grzegorz Ostrega / Babel Images.

Ukrainians choose president

On 17th of January Ukrainians choose their president. Viktor Yanukovych, pro-Russian opposition leader leads in all surveys and in second round of elections he will probably face present prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Politicians accuse each other of buying votes, warn against counterfeiting and try to mobilize their supporters, but there is no chance for repeat from 2005. Five years after The Orange Revolution citizens of immersed in crisis Ukraine are bored with politics and mostly don't care who will become their next president. On the photo: Lviv on the eve of elections.

© Michal Kowalski / Babel Images