Residents of Kalofer dance traditional men-only horo chain dance in the Tundzha River

Residents of Kalofer dressed in folk costumes stepped into the icy waters of the Tundzha River on Friday morning to observe the Epiphany tradition and dance the men-only horo chain dance. They were led by the town mayor Rumen Stoyanov who was holding a national flag. Earlier, the brave men were blessed by Father Demetrius from the local St. Archangel Michael Church. The ritual rescuing of the Holy Cross was also observed. Unlike other years, the weather in Kalofer today is mild and temperatures are much more favourable.

The Orthodox Church celebrates with solemn services one of its greatest feasts – The Feast of Epiphany. Epiphany commemorates the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River, at which the Trinitarian nature of God is manifested.