Epiphany & Blessing of the Waters 2025 in Greece

January 6th is one of the most beloved holidays in Greece. The holiday of Epiphany usually marks the end of the joyful period of Christmas celebrations, commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan.

Celebration Highlights

Epiphany, also known as Theophany, holds immense significance as one of the most important Christian feasts, marking the revelation of Jesus Christ as God. This sacred celebration is shared by both the Eastern and Western Church, uniting millions of believers worldwide. On this day, people participate in liturgies, Masses, and a variety of traditional events, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural importance of this unique feast.

Blessing of the Waters

The Blessing of the Waters stands as one of the most significant rituals of Epiphany. During this sacred tradition, a priest blesses the water by casting a cross into icy waters, often from a shore or dock. Young men, adhering to custom, dive into the frigid depths to retrieve the cross. The one who succeeds receives a special blessing from the priest, as well as admiration from the gathered crowd, symbolizing purification and divine favor.

Epiphany Traditions

A variety of vibrant traditions and rituals beyond the Blessing of the Waters marks Epiphany in Greece. Among these, children across the country sing special carols called "Fota Kalanda." These songs recount the story of the world's creation and the sanctification of waters by God and conclude with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist, infusing the celebration with a deeply spiritual narrative. Also, priests bless households with holy water, often taken from the water basin used in the cross-throwing rite.

In Thessaly, Central Greece, the holiday centers around the "Rougkatsia" tradition. On Epiphany Eve, groups of 10–15 costumed performers visit homes singing carols in exchange for small monetary gifts. Each group includes symbolic characters such as a bride and groom, a priest, a grandfather, a doctor, and the "arkoudiarides" or bear handlers. Variations of this ancient custom can also be found in other Greek regions, adapting to local folklore while preserving the essence of the celebration. However, this particular tradition has become less common in recent years.

Where to Witness Epiphany Rituals

The official national ceremony for the Blessing of the Waters is held annually in Piraeus, Greece's principal port. This prestigious event is attended by high-ranking church officials and members of the country's political leadership. Meanwhile, similar ceremonies unfold across cities, towns, and villages throughout Greece, each reflecting its unique local traditions.