In pictures: COVID-19 defying Bulgarians dance in icy waters to mark Epiphany

By Asiaville Desk • 07/01/2021 at 8:03AM

Several Orthodox Christian worshippers celebrated Epiphany in the icy cold Tundzha River in Kalofer, Bulgaria despite coronavirus warnings by health authorities.

Dozens of Bulgarian men, defying COVID-19 restrictions, danced and sang in the cold waters of the Tundzha river in the central Bulgarian town of Kalofer to mark the Christian holiday of Epiphany, which is supposed to bring good health.

In a popular ritual, Orthodox priests cast a crucifix into a lake or river, and it is believed that the person who retrieves it will be freed from evil spirits and will be healthy through the year.

Despite calls from authorities to cancel the celebration, about 70 men from Kalofer took part in the ritual, while dozens gathered along the river banks to watch it. After the crucifix was recovered, the men put their arms around each other's shoulders, sang and danced in a circle to music played on drums and bagpipes.

Take a look at the pictures:

Men jump into a lake to catch a wooden cross during Epiphany Day celebrations in Sofia, Bulgaria. *(PHOTO: REUTERS)*

Men dance in the icy waters of Tundzha river during a celebration of Epiphany Day in the town of Kalofer, Bulgaria. *(PHOTO: REUTERS)*

Despite the current measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in Bulgaria, the town of Kalofer organised an Epiphany, a traditional Christian Orthodox feast celebrated on the morning of January 6. *(PHOTO: TWITTER)*

The event in Kalofer sparked heated debates on social networks, where some supported it while others called for the men and the town to be fined for breaking rules they fear may fuel coronavirus infections. *(PHOTO: TWITTER)*

To mark the Epiphany Day, Bulgarian men put their arms around each other's shoulders, sang and danced in a circle to music played on drums and bagpipes. *(PHOTO: TWITTER)*

Several Bulgarian men sing and dance in the icy waters of the Tundzha River in Bulgaria. *(PHOTO: TWITTER)*

In a popular ritual, Orthodox priests cast a crucifix into a lake or river, and it is believed that the person who retrieves it will be freed from evil spirits and will be healthy through the year. *(PHOTO: TWITTER)*

Bulgarian men celebrate Epiphany Day in the icy waters. *(PHOTO: TWITTER)*

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