At Lake Ujman, the Orthodox Christian feast of Epiphany (Bogojavljenje) was marked today with the traditional Holy Cross swimming ceremony, during which hundreds of Serbian participants plunged into the icy waters in an effort to retrieve the cross.
The event began at around 1:00 PM and recorded a record level of participation, with more than 300 swimmers taking part. Participants came primarily from northern Kosovo, but also from other regions, including Belgrade and Montenegro.
Symbolic Messages and Security Presence
During the event, banners reading “Students and God” were displayed, symbolically expressing support for ongoing student protests in Serbia.
Meanwhile, the Kosovo Police were present with increased security measures to ensure public order and safety.
A Long-Standing Tradition
The Holy Cross swimming ceremony at Lake Ujman has been held annually since 2011.
The swim covers a symbolic distance of 33 meters, representing the years of Jesus Christ’s life.
