site.btaHundreds Participate in 2023 Kalofer Epiphany River Dance

Hundreds took part in this year's traditional male horo in the ice-cold waters of the River Tundja in Kalofer (Central Bulgaria). The Epiphany cross was thrown into the river by father Dimitriy after a solemn liturgy in the Saint Michael the Taxiarch church. As per tradition, the wooden cross was handed to the youngest participant, Theodore (1 year and 9 months old).

On January 6, Bulgarians observe Epiphany, locally known as Yordanovden [the Day of the River Jordan]. The day celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan, which gives the origin of the water blessing ritual and its power to purify and bring good health.

The feast is also known as Bogoyavlenie ["Manifestation of God"] and Krashtenie Gospodne ["Baptism of the Lord"], for Orthodox Christians regard the baptism of Jesus as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God.

Wearing traditional national costumes, the people of Kalofer waded waste deep into the river, singing the signature folk song that is always used on the occasion: "Vassilka Has Fallen in Love". The bagpipe musical formation of Hristo Botev community center was leading the dance. Both the Samara and the Bulgarian flags were seen in the hands of the participants.

People from all over the country gathered to witness the ritual, some of them also took part in it. As per the rules, guests of Kalofer must first wait for the locals to take the cross out of the river.

Kalofer Mayor Rumen Stoyanov wished for a peaceful and blessed year, and for perseverance. "It is quite certain that the tradition has been existing for centuries, since my grandfather has told me that his grandfather before him partook in it. Albeit perhaps not in the same form, but the tradition existed", Stoyanov elaborated.