SOFIA, BULGARIA—Thousands of Orthodox Christian worshippers plunged into icy rivers and lakes across Bulgaria on Sunday to recover crucifixes cast by priests in ceremonies commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ. Bulgarian men and children perform the traditional "Horo" dance in the icy winter waters of the Tundzha river in the town of Kalofer, as part of Epiphany Day celebrations on January 6, 2019. In the central Bulgarian mountain city of Kalofer, dozens of men dressed in white embroidered shirts waded into the Tundzha River waving national flags and singing folk songs Sunday. Bulgarians sing and dance in the icy waters of the Tundzha river in Kalofer, Bulgaria, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. Bulgarian bagpiper break ice during Epiphany ritual in the icy waters of the Tundzha river in Kalofer, Bulgaria, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019.

Source: thestar January 06, 2019 13:07 UTC