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Bulgarians Dip Into Icy River to Celebrate Epiphany

Bulgarians danced and celebrated in the icy waters of the Tundzha river as they marked Epiphany in the town of Kalofer.
Image: Bulgarian men dance in the icy waters of the Tundzha river
Bulgarian men dance in the icy waters of the Tundzha river.STOYAN NENOV / Reuters
/ Source: NBC News

Bulgarians danced and celebrated in the icy waters of the Tundzha river, as they marked Epiphany in the town of Kalofer, on Jan. 6, 2016.

Traditionally, an Eastern Orthodox priest throws a cross in the river and it is believed that the one who retrieves it will be healthy throughout the year.

Image: A man holds the holy cross as Bulgarians sing and dance
A man holds the holy cross as Bulgarians sing and dance in the icy waters of the Tundzha river, as they celebrate Epiphany day in the town of Kalofer, on Jan. 6, 2016.Valentina Petrova / AP
Image: Bulgarian men dance in the icy waters of the Tundzha river
Bulgarian men dance in icy waterSTOYAN NENOV / Reuters