Many Christians and Catholics around the world celebrate Epiphany and Theophany, Three Kings Day and Eastern Orthodox Christmas Eve. This is the day when the Three Kings of Orient arrived in Bethlehem to present Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It also celebrates of the Baptism of Christ by John in the Jordan River.
Epiphany, or the 12th day of Christmas, falls on January 6 and marks the official end to the festive season for many Christians. In Prague, Czechs take part in the traditional Three Kings swim in the Vltava River (which is freezing, by the way!) alongside the medieval Charles bridge.
These images are from last year, but we are certain the festivities are on this year as well.
Photo: David W Cerny
Walking to the scene…
Photo: Pavel Tůma
Sometimes little family members help to prepare the body for the icy water.
Photo: Pavel Tůma
The sign announces the temperature. The water is 1C (33.8F) and the air is -1C (30.2F). In other words, it’s freezing!
Photo: Pavel Tůma
But the spirits and excitement are surely keeping the crew warm on the inside!
Photo: Pavel Tůma
Everyone looks to be in good spirits, and there’s even a woman who will be swimming!
Photo: Pavel Tůma
Aboard the boat, there is no turning back.
Photo: Pavel Tůma
…And some try to stay warm, while others stay undressed to prepare the body for the icy waters.
Photo: Pravá Praha
One last wave before it’s time to dive in!
Photo: Pavel Tůma
They look comfortable enough…
Photo: Pravá Praha
In fact, everyone seems to be enjoying the swim!
Photo: Pravá Praha
Photo: Pravá Praha
Photo: Pravá Praha
Looks like the Three Kings have arrived!
Photo: David W Cerny
Photo: Pravá Praha
Now they swim towards where they can climb out of the water safely…
Photo: Pravá Praha
Finally, they exit the water and after a few quick words with media, we’re sure they are all looking for their coats and dry clothing!
Photo: Pravá Praha
Participants receive a keepsake certificate that they partook in the swim.
Photo: Pravá Praha
And finally, (we knew it was coming) they are all treated to hot spiced rum cider.
Photo: Pravá Praha
We cannot express the deliciousness of this drink and the ability to warm you from the inside out.
Take it from us, it’s good medicine!
Photo: Pravá Praha
And of course, a hearty meal of good Czech food!
Photo: Pravá Praha
We were up at the castle, watching the Three Kings Procession of which you can glimpse in our video.
But here is the real treat…
If you enjoyed these images, you can watch this video as they go through the whole ordeal.
It almost feels as though you’re there – so you’d better get a nice cup of hot rum tea to stay warm!
Not enough? Here’s the same from the year before…
Sources: Pravá Praha, Praha iDnes, International Business Times, The Telegraph.
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Very refreshing!
Very cold sport. Similar events staged in Canada in Toronto & Vancouver
I would die in that freezing water, but it’s cool they keep up the tradition.
Whoa! I could never do this! This is a brave bunch, that’s for sure.