epiphany

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Young men in Greece dive for wooden cross in Epiphany celebration

Greeks celebrate Epiphany with the traditional blessing of the waters. In Piraeus, men dove into the cold sea to retrieve a wooden cross for good fortune.

06/01/2026

Culture news

Epiphany: tradition, religious festivals and secular rites

On 6 January, the visit of the Magi to Jesus is celebrated by millions around the world. It's a story that's been handed down through generations but actually barely mentioned in a Gospel, however, it's the deep-root of secular tradition in Italy and, in Europe, above all a culinary ritual.

06/01/2026

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Thousands celebrate Madrid's 2026 Three Kings Parade

Spain celebrates its most magical night for children on 5. January with Three Kings tradition and its festive processions, where 2,100 participants, including 250 royal servants, handed out 1,200 kilos of sweets.

06/01/2026

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North Macedonia celebrates Epiphany with Holy Cross retrieval ceremony

Epiphany ceremonies were held throughout North Macedonia, with the Holy Cross thrown into the water to commemorate the baptism of Christ.

20/01/2025

Russia

Orthodox Russians mark Epiphany amid unusually warm winter weather

However local emergency services in some regions cancelled events, saying it was too hazardous for worshippers to cut bathing holes in icy ponds and rivers

19/01/2025

Europe News

Christian communities across Europe take part in Epiphany traditions

Orthodox Christians participated in blessing of the waters ceremonies, while Catholics in the Vatican attended Mass in St. Peter's basilica.

06/01/2025

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Thousands participate in Warsaw's colourful Three Kings procession

The Three Kings procession went through Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street to the Castle Square in Warsaw's old town, where homage was paid to Mary and Jesus.

06/01/2025

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Orthodox faithful in Greece swim to retrieve the cross on Epiphany

A large crowd watched on as dozens of swimmers rushed to retrieve a wooden cross thrown by a priest into the water, in a ceremony marking Epiphany near the port of Piraeus outside Athens on Monday.

06/01/2025

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Ice crosses ready for Epiphany celebrations

Preparations for Epiphany are underway in Orthodox churches, with a key tradition being the blessing of ice crosses.

06/01/2025

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Three Kings parade lights up the streets of Madrid

On the evening of 5 January, Madrid comes alive with the vibrant Three Kings parade, one of Spain's most cherished traditions.

06/01/2025

Spain

In pictures: Christians across Europe celebrate Epiphany

Christians around Europe have come together to celebrate Epiphany, a day which also spells the end of Christmas for many.

06/01/2024

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Watch: Ukrainians and Russians mark Epiphany as fierce fighting rages

Ukrainians and Russians stripped off and plunged into icy pools and bodies of water to mark Epiphany as fierce fighting rages on.

20/01/2023

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Russians plunge into freezing water to celebrate Epiphany

It's one of the oldest holidays on the Christian calendar and a major celebration in the predominantly Orthodox country.

19/01/2023

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Christmas and Epiphany are marked in Ukraine, Serbia and Czechia

Christmas and Epiphany are marked in Ukraine, Serbia and Czechia

06/01/2023

Culture news

Spain marks the Epiphany with annual Three Kings parade

The feast of the Epiphany is traditionally celebrated in Spain and many other Latin American countries with the Three Kings parade, while in Belgium, France and other European countries, pastry lovers tuck into the traditional 'galette de rois'.

06/01/2023

Russia

In pictures: Russian Christians plunge into icy water to mark Epiphany

Most people take the plunge at midnight or on the day of the feast itself, which falls on January 19, after priests have blessed the water.

19/01/2022