Epiphany in Kalofer, Bulgaria

Bulgarians sing and round dance in the river of Tundzha, as they celebrate St. Jordan's day (Epiphany) in the town of Kalofer. On St. Jordan's day, the Eastern Orthodox priests throw a cross in the river and the men take it out. It is believed that those who dance in the river will be healthy throughout the year.

On Epiphany (St. Joprdan's day) the banks of the Tundzha River in the small town of Kalofer are overcrowded with people. The sanctification of the Tundzha River starts with an Orthodox liturgy. More than hundred men, dressed in national costumes wade into the ice-cold river. The men`s procession makes its way through the waters led by a small music orchestra of two bagpipe players and a drummer. Waving Bulgarian flag and singing patriotic songs they break the ice covering the river and make the waters steam. More than an hour the men perform their religious ritual, after a long night of warming up with wine and «rakia» (Bulgarian brandy).

"There`s no case that we are aware of somebody getting sick after Epiphany ritual the river" says the mayor of the town, which hosts this unique festival almost two hundred years now.

After the cross was town and brought out of the river by the smallest performer - the 12 years old Tihomir Angelov, the dances continue out of the river, as every one tries to get the blessing with sanctified water by the Orthodox priests for health and success throughout the coming year.