The Cross retrieved from the river during Epiphany celebrations in Kalofer was given to the youngest participant in the men’s dance

On 6th of January every year, Bulgaria celebrates St. Jordan’s Day (Epiphany).

The main ritual on this day is throwing of the cross. As an old Bulgarian tradition on this day, priests perform blessings of the water and throw a wooden cross into a river, sea or lake. Men dive in the ice-cold water and race to retrieve the cross. It is believed that the man who first takes the cross out of the water will be blessed to be healthy and freed from evil spirits throughout the year. The priest delivers a special blessing to that man and his household.

The ritual lasts longer In the South Bulgarian town of Kalofer. A large group of men and boys go in the icy waters of Tundzha river early in the morning and perform the unique men’s dance called Men’s Dance (Mazhko horo). In Kalofer, it does not matter who catches the cross because as a tradition it goes to the youngest boy who went into the freezing waters of Tundzha river.

This year the youngest participant is named Theodore and is one year and 9 months old.