Blessing of the Water

The Blessing of the Water, also known as called The Holy Theophany, The Epiphany, the Celebration of the Lights, or ta Fota (the Lights) is held annually in Greece on January 6. This festival is held after the harvest season and is said to recall the visit of the three Wise Men - the Holy Spirit to the infant Jesus. Nowadays, the festival is seen as a joyful day for Christians who are blessed with the Holy Water, which symbolizes the cleansing of Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River.

This is one of the most unique festivals in the world, as the most important part of the festival happens in the water. The first part of the Blessing of the Water takes place in the local church. After that, a blessing ceremony will be held in the nearest body of water, such as a sea, lake, river, or even a water storage facility. In there, a priest will throw a cross into the water. Young men will dive into the water and try their best to be the first to get the cross, and to be the one that will have good lucks during the coming year. After the diving, local fishermen bring their boats to be blessed by the priest. The priest then makes his way from home to home while carrying a cross and a basil branch. He uses the basil to sprinkle (bless) every area of the household as he passes through each home.

While similar ceremonies will be held on all islands, cities, towns, and villages throughout Greece, the official national ceremony for the Blessing of the Water is held in Piraeus, the country's main port, with officials and political leaders in attendance. This ceremony is followed by festive events that will highlight local traditions, food, and dancing.

Duration: 6th January

Location: Piraeus, Greece