epiphany

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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

Culture news

Annual Greek cold water plunge causes a splash on day of Epiphany

Orthodox Christians across Greece came together for Epiphany Day with a dive into cold sea water in the name of retrieving a wooden cross.

07/01/2022

Culture news

France welcomes the New Year with more costly 'Galette des Rois'

The traditional sharing of the "Galette des Rois" in France has been slightly tarnished with bakers and chefs having to increase prices due to butter costs doubling in two years.

06/01/2022

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The Three Kings arrive by boat to Barcelona with presents for children

The Three Kings, also called the Three Wise men, have finally arrived on Wednesday in Barcelona onboard a ship docking at the city's port. The night of January 5th is the most important and magical night of the year for thousands of children in Spain.

06/01/2022

Spain

Watch: Three Kings parade returns to Madrid to mark Epiphany

This year's parade featured a giant mechanical elephant, live camels, and acrobats, as well as a traditional fireworks display at the end.

06/01/2022

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Russians submerge in frozen waters to mark Epiphany

The Russian President takes part in a traditional Orthodox ritual to mark the feast of Epiphany every year.

19/01/2021

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Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria ignore COVID advice for Epiphany

Orthodox Christian churches in Greece, Bulgaria and Romania celebrate Epiphany on January 6

06/01/2021

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COVID-19 rains on Spain's Epiphany parades

COVID-19 restrictions mean the traditional parades in Spain for Three Kings' Day have been scrapped.

05/01/2021

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Russians mark Epiphany with plunge into icy water

Russian Orthodox Christians immerse in ice-cold water in some of the country's regions to celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ.

19/01/2020

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Orthodox Christian worshippers plunge into icy waters

Orthodox Christian worshippers braved cold weather and plunged into cold wateron Monday to retrieve a wooden cross during the traditional blessing of the Orthodox Epiphany Day.

06/01/2020

Portugal

Watch: Children in Portuguese village smoke to celebrate Epiphany

Villagers have defended the tradition. "It is a normal tradition for us because it has existed for many years," resident Rui Sergio said.

07/01/2019

Bulgaria

Icy epiphany in Bulgaria

Bagpipes and folk songs in frozen river for Orthodox celebration

06/01/2019