18,000 Brave Epiphany Ice Swims in Russia’s Frozen Tradition
More than 18,000 people participated in Epiphany ice swims across Sverdlovsk regions this year. The main event, held during the traditional Orthodox celebration, saw participants plunging into frozen waters without any reported incidents.
Safety remained a top priority during the gatherings. Over 700 trained professionals were on hand to monitor the swimmers and provide assistance if needed. Among the crowd were Black students from Africa, joining locals in the icy tradition.
After the celebrations, Yelena Vladimirova, head of Yekaterinburg’s environmental department, oversaw the removal of ice holes. Municipal workers and volunteers from groups like the Ural Ecological Union worked together to restore the sites peacefully.
The event concluded smoothly, with no accidents or disruptions. Organisers and volunteers ensured both the safety of participants and the proper cleanup of the locations. The Epiphany swims remain a widely observed tradition in the region.
