Epiphany in Greece

For many in Greece, we're still in the heart of the holiday period. January 6th marks the traditional Epiphany celebrations in Greece

It's celebrated throughout Greece, especially in coastal areas, but the idea of the "Blessing of the Waters" and the vessels that travel on those waters applies to lakes, ponds and rivers as well.

After the diving, fishermen and others who use boats bring them to be blessed.

In Greece, the celebration at Piraeus is heavily attended.

Outside of Greece, the custom is kept up wherever there is a substantial Greek population. In the United States, the ceremony to see is at Tarpon Springs in Florida, where the traditional diving for the cross attracts thousands of watchers, both Greek and non-Greek.

Photo: the Kyrenia Eleftheria, a recreation of ancient ship, docked in Piraeus during the Olympic Games in 2004. © deTraci Regula, licensed to About.