The Orthodox feast of the Epiphany is celebrated in Serbia on January 19 — not a date on which many people would usually consider swimming in a river. But, in Serbia's Orthodox Christian community, the feast of the Epiphany is marked every year by the traditional "swim for the Holy Cross."
Participants swim across a river or lake to a Holy Cross. The winner is the one who reaches the cross first.
This year, DW went to Vlasotince in southern Serbia and spoke to some people who braved the icy waters of the Vlasina River.
You can read the script of the video here:
Ivan Stefanovic
"I tried a few times, as part of my preparation, to take cold showers. Honestly, I don't like the cold. I can endure anything physically — not eating, not drinking, walking a lot. Physically, I can handle everything, but this is also a mental challenge, not just a physical one. You have to be mentally strong to endure it."
The swim symbolizes the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan. While the exact origin of the tradition is unknown, some records suggest it has been practiced in Serbia for over a century.
Nikola Pecic, priest
"The reasons are mostly religious, and there is a deep inner motivation for a person to bring themselves to do this — as a sacrifice, to atone, to purify themselves."
This year, over 100 competitors signed up for the race in Vlasotince. But, before they could take the plunge, they had to get a medical check-up. The water in the Vlasina River was a bracing 1°C.
Participants
"I'm 12 years old, and it's my third time."
"This is my first time at such an event. I hope I'm not the only girl. There are probably others, but no one has registered yet."
"I'm 62, and here I am. It's an honor to swim."
The Holy Cross is placed in the middle of the river. The competitors must swim from one bank to the other. The winner is the one who reaches the cross first.
This year, the winner was physical education teacher and athlete Stefan Djokic.
Stefan Djokic, PE teacher from Vlasotince
"This is my fourth time swimming, and this is the first time I've won a prize. I will continue to take part every year."
Ivan didn't reach the cross first, but he did make it to the other riverbank, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to take part in the race. The adrenaline rush was great, but the cold was greater.
Ivan Stefanovic
"It was cold! Painful! It wasn't a problem until we got to the cross, but after that, it was painful."
Next year, he says, he'll think very carefully about whether or not to brave the icy waters of the Swim for the Holy Cross again.