Every year on 6th of January the Orthodox Christians are celebrating Epiphany which in Greece is also known as Theofania or Fota or Great Blessing of the Waters. The clergy casts a cross into the water and anyone who dares jumps in the icy water and compete in retrieving the cross. The one who brings the cross up to the surface will enjoy good luck and health for the entire year.

On this holiday, the Divers Association of Drama (Α.Σ.Α.Δ.) has been diving in Saint Barbara Lake for over 15 years like safety cover team for the swimmers that are trying to recover the cross.

Saint Barbara is the patron saint of the northern Greek city of Drama. Agia Barbara park covers approximately 60,000 m2 and throughout time has been an identifying feature of the city. Water springs up from various points forming small lakes and waterfalls under the shade of ancient trees and is covering the whole park. Traditional watermills can be found here as well.

In the depths of the lake there are the remains of an Orthodox church which are visible through bubbles of air that are coming out creating an impressive view and feeling to the one that goes underwater, closer to the history.

Pictures gallery from previous years

Latest pictures, 6th January 2012