Epiphany's Orthodox celebrations in Crete, Greece image

Epiphany - Baptism of Jesus Christ

Epiphany is one of the most sacred Greek Orthodox celebrations as it commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and celebrates the revelation that the incarnate Christ was both fully God and fully man.

When is the celebration of Epiphany?

Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on 6th January (or January 19th for some Orthodox Church who has Christmas on 7th January). Epiphany is mainly celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
Epiphany- 6-january

Blessing of the waters

As with most of the greek holidays, in Crete and all Greece, this one too has some rituals/traditions, the most important ritual is the “blessing of the waters”, which is performed by the Greek Orthodox priest. In seaside or lakeside areas, the priest is throwing a special cross into the water and swimmers jump in the water to recover it. It is believed that the person who captures the cross and returns it to the priest will be blessed for the whole year.

What are the traditions of the Epiphany?

Like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the Epiphany (or Theofania as it’s called in Greek) holiday, or "Fota" has its own carols (kalanda). Children will sing the carols in exchange for money and sweets. Every region in Greece has its own version of the “Fota kalanda” (Fota is another name we use for the holiday and its literal translation is lights).  
Theofaneia-fota-agiasmos
January 6 and Epiphany mark the end of the season of 12 days - Christmas and New Year's Eve. The highlight of this feast day is a ceremony called Agiasmos - the blessing of water. It is a dramatic ritual observed throughout Greece and in Greek communities around the world and is performed by a priest at open water - usually by the sea, a river or a lake.

How celebrate Epiphany in Heraklion?

In Heraklion, crowds throng the waterfront of the old port to watch the spectacle, in which mostly young men (increasingly, women participate) jump into the water to retrieve a thrown crucifix. The crowd cheers as the swimmer resurfaces with the cross, and the ritual is complete when the priest releases a white dove - a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
It’s also important to note that St. John’s religious name day takes place the day after on January 7th which is a popular name day for those with names like John, Joanna, Ioannis or Ioanna. There are countless opportunities to experience daily life in the villages and towns of Crete, and the off-season months are a perfect opportunity to do so.
In addition, you will receive much more personalized service, and the accommodations, rentals and all travel services are also cheaper. In general, a winter holiday in Crete is 40% cheaper than a comparable holiday in the high season in summer!
agiasmos

How is the weather in January in Crete?

The island is located in the subtropical part of the Mediterranean and offers mild winters, especially on the coast many sunny days with pleasant temperatures. The actual temperatures in winter remain relatively warm.
While it's not beach weather, January in Crete is great for hiking, exploring historical sites, and enjoying the quieter, off-season atmosphere. 

Is it worth visiting Crete in Epiphany?

Epiphany in Crete is a significant and vibrant celebration deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox tradition and the island’s rich cultural heritage. Celebrated annually on January 6th, Epiphany marks the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan and the revelation of the Holy Trinity. Known locally as “Ta Fota” (The Lights), it is one of the most sacred days in the Orthodox calendar and an important event for communities across Crete.

The day begins with a special church service, followed by one of the most iconic rituals: the Blessing of the Waters. In seaside towns, harbors, and even rivers, priests lead a procession of worshippers to the water’s edge. There, the priest blesses the water by throwing a cross into it, symbolizing the sanctification of the natural world. Brave swimmers, often young men, dive into the cold waters to retrieve the cross, which is believed to bring them blessings and good fortune for the year ahead.

This ceremony reflects the islanders' close connection to the sea, a vital part of life in Crete. Even in villages far from the coast, similar blessings are performed at local rivers, wells, or even fountains.

Epiphany is not only a religious event but also a time for community and celebration. The day often concludes with festive gatherings, traditional music, and Cretan food. It’s a unique opportunity for visitors to witness a blend of spirituality, cultural pride, and local traditions.

Experiencing Epiphany in Crete offers insight into the island’s deep faith and vibrant community spirit. It’s a reminder of the timeless bond between nature, religion, and tradition that continues to shape life on this beautiful island.


Last update 16/12/2024.
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Happy family next to the beach