Backstage Flirting by Ignacio Amenábar

Captured during the annual Virgen de la Merced festival in Isla de Maipo, Chile, this photograph documents a candid moment of cultural heritage. As local participants paraded through the streets, the photographer observed a pair of huasos—traditional Chilean horsemen—sharing a quiet, flirtatious moment with their horses away from the main procession. The image is award-worthy for its authentic portrayal of rural Chilean life, balancing the vibrant energy of the festival with an intimate, human-centric narrative. The choice of a wide 22mm focal length allows the viewer to feel present within the scene, grounding the subjects in their cultural environment.