Serbia: Orthodox athletes celebrate Epiphany with winter swim in Belgrade

Twelve Orthodox Christian athletes took part in a traditional Epiphany swim in Belgrade’s Ada Ciganlija icy lake on Tuesday.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, fewer swimmers than usual were allowed to take part, and the race was not competitive.

The 33-meter-swim, symbolising Jesus Christ’s 33 years, was followed by the release of seven pigeons symbolising God.

Serbian Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin attended the event, which is held under the patronage of the Serbian Gendarmerie and six of the 12 swimmers taking part were police officers.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, no audience was allowed were not allowed on the quay, though onlookers watched the swim from behind a fence.