Though still officially rejected by the Catholic Church, devotion to Santa Muerte has surged since the early 2000s, emerging from private household altars into highly visible public rituals.
Kapparot is an atonement ritual practiced by some Jews on the eve of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During the ceremony, a chicken is waved over a person's head while prayers are recited.
Each January, tens of thousands of pilgrims journey to Lalibela, a sacred town often described as the spiritual heart of Ethiopia. They arrive on foot, by bus, and from distant villages scattered across the Ethiopian highlands.
Faith is the unwavering belief and deep trust in something beyond concrete evidence. It is a guiding principle that provides purpose, shapes human values, and acts as an anchor during times of uncertainty, whether directed toward a higher power, humanity, or one's own inner resilience.
"I am not interested in documenting religion as an external phenomenon or describing different doctrines. What moves me is the shared human longing for transcendence; the desire to approach the Ineffable, to stand for a moment before something greater than oneself."
In the final days before Tết, the city's rhythm intensifies. Streets grow denser with motorbikes, markets expand onto crowded sidewalks, and vendors line the roads with cages of chickens, fresh produce, and everyday goods.
Born in Belgium with strong Italian roots, Gianni combines authenticity and warmth with precision and flair. His photography doesn't just document what's in front of the camera – it tells stories that stay with you.
Through a blend of candid documentary and street photography spanning several years, the series highlights how the extraordinary is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the ordinary.