If you happen to be traveling in Greece in early January, January 6 may catch you by surprise. Shops are closed, offices shut down, and crowds gather along coastlines, rivers, and harbors. What you are witnessing is Epiphany, one of the most important religious holidays in Greece, known locally as Theofania (Θεοφάνεια) or simply Fota (Φώτα), meaning “The Lights.”

Epiphany is a national public holiday in Greece and holds deep spiritual, cultural, and symbolic meaning in the Greek Orthodox tradition. For visitors, it offers a rare chance to experience Greece beyond the summer crowds - authentic, ceremonial, and deeply rooted in centuries-old customs.

What Is Epiphany in Greece?

In Greek Orthodox Christianity, Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. According to the Gospel, this moment marked the revelation of the Holy Trinity: God’s voice was heard from heaven, and the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove.

Because of this, Epiphany is understood as the manifestation of God to the world, making it one of the most sacred days of the Orthodox calendar. In Greece, it also marks the end of the 12-day Christmas season, which begins on December 25. Once Epiphany passes, holiday decorations come down and everyday life resumes.

The Blessing of the Waters: The Heart of Fota

During the ceremony, the priest offers prayers and then throws a cross into the water. At that moment, volunteers dive in to retrieve it, often plunging into freezing winter temperatures. The person who recovers the cross is believed to receive special blessings, good health, and good fortune for the year ahead.

This ritual symbolizes the spiritual cleansing of the waters and, by extension, the renewal of the world itself. For travelers, it is an unforgettable experience — dramatic, emotional, and deeply meaningful.

The largest and most impressive ceremonies take place in major port cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, where thousands gather along the waterfront to watch the event.

What Travelers Should Know About January 6 in Greece

If you are visiting Greece around Epiphany, it helps to plan ahead. January 6 is a full public holiday, which means:

• most shops and government offices are closed,

• public transportation may run on a reduced or holiday schedule,

• tourist attractions sometimes have limited hours.

At the same time, Epiphany is an excellent opportunity to see local Greek life up close. Without the crowds of peak season, visitors can observe traditions that are rarely staged for tourists. Locals are generally welcoming, and the atmosphere is calm, respectful, and communal.

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Folklore and Myth: The Kallikantzaroi

Beyond its religious significance, Epiphany also plays an important role in Greek folklore. Traditional belief held that mischievous creatures known as kallikantzaroi (καλικάντζαροι) roamed the earth between Christmas and Epiphany. These goblin-like beings were said to cause trouble in households, spoil food, and disrupt daily life.

The Blessing of the Waters on Epiphany symbolically drives these spirits away, restoring order and balance. While few modern Greeks take this legend literally, it remains a colorful and meaningful part of the cultural narrative surrounding Fota.

How Greeks Celebrate After the Ceremony

Epiphany in Greece is not only solemn - it is also social. In many towns and villages, the ceremony is followed by community gatherings, shared meals, and informal celebrations. Seafood dishes are especially common, and families often spend the rest of the day together.

For visitors, this side of Epiphany offers insight into the Greek sense of community and tradition. It is a reminder that Greek culture places great importance on togetherness, continuity, and shared experience.

For international travelers, Epiphany provides something increasingly rare: an authentic cultural experience untouched by mass tourism. It combines religion, history, folklore, and everyday life into a single powerful event.

Seeing Fota in Greece allows visitors to understand the country on a deeper level, not just as a vacation destination, but as a living culture shaped by faith, tradition, and collective memory. Whether you witness the ceremony in a major city or a small coastal village, Epiphany is an experience that stays with you long after your trip ends.