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Silver 2026 People / Culture

Szék: Traditions Carried Forward

  • Photographer
    Mihail Onaca
  • Prize
    Silver in People / Culture

In the Transylvanian village of Szék (Sic), generations of ethnic Hungarians continue to express their identity through distinctive folk costumes, shared traditions and community life. The village's iconic red and black attire symbolizes the bloodshed and mourning that followed the devastating Crimean Tatar invasion of 1717. This series follows the rhythms of everyday life, revealing a culture that continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its heritage. Part of The Unhurried Country, an ongoing documentary series exploring the people, traditions and landscapes of Transylvania.

Mihail Onaca is a Romanian photographer based in Transylvania whose work spans architecture, landscape, and travel. Inspired by the landscapes and traditions of his native Transylvania, he takes a documentary-style approach to visual storytelling, finding meaning in simplicity and the unhurried rhythm of daily life. His work explores the richness of rural culture and heritage architecture in dialogue with the natural world, guided by a focus on light, atmosphere, and detail. The result is imagery that feels both timeless and personal.

BIFA
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