Epiphany bathing in Saint Petersburg. Winter Swimming initiation ceremony. 

Thousands of Saint Petersburg residents will be swimming in ice cold water in an icy hole in a river. This event became a traditionan of the Epiphany bathing and will take place on January 19, 2014, at the beach of the Peter and Paul Fortress. In addition to the bathing ceremony, there will also be holiday festivities, hot tea and Russian pancakes. 

Of course, this year the river will not have time to get frozen because of the unusual warm weather for January. In this case, there will be built a wooden structure with walkways from the shore.

Festive celebrations will not be limited to just dipping in icy water. All guests can enjoy traditional Russian amusements: power contests, songs and a lot more. To warm up, all visitors will be offered hot tea, porridge and Russian pancakes.

Epiphany celebration at the beach of the Peter and Paul Fortress has already become a good tradition. Every year, there are hundreds of people who attend. 

Bathing in a cold river, a cultural program, traditional Russian treats and much more are awaiting you for Epiphany celebration, which will be held January 19 at the Peter and Paul Fortress, come on out!