Yordanovden (Yordanov den)

Yordanovden is a major winter celebration with significant religious importance. It's one of the country's most famous Eastern Orthodox festivals. The celebration is held to commemorate Jesus Christ's baptism in the Jordan River. On January 6th, it is traditionally held in the mountain town of Kalofer.

A water consecration service is required by local tradition. Following the ceremony, the priest tosses a cross into the water, and a group of unmarried men leaps in after it, into the freezing water of the river, according to local custom. Whoever recovers the cross will be happy and healthy for the rest of the year. The traditional river dance known as "horo" in the frigid waters of Byala Reka is another important part of the event (white river).

When: in January

Where: Kalofer