No Comment 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
No Comment 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
No Comment 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
No Comment 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
No Comment 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
No Comment 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
No Comment 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
No Comment 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
No Comment 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
No Comment 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
No Comment 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