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Sochi’s Epiphany celebrations feature icy beach dips and sacred traditions

Brave the cold for faith: Sochi’s beaches transform into sacred spaces for Epiphany’s midnight rituals. Will you take the plunge into icy waters?

, and ASMedia

2026 January 18 . 3:10 PM

1 min read

The image shows a large group of people walking down a street lined with tall buildings, trees,... — The image shows a large group of people walking down a street lined with tall buildings, trees, poles, traffic signals, boards, and vehicles. In the center of the street is an object, likely part of the Shinto Festival in Tokyo, Japan. The sky is visible in the background.

Sochi’s Epiphany celebrations feature icy beach dips and sacred traditions

Orthodox Christians in Sochi will celebrate Epiphany on the night of January 19. The occasion includes traditional ice dips at 10 designated locations across the city, with safety measures in place for participants.

The festivities begin with services in all churches of the Sochi Diocese. These will be followed by the Great Blessing of Water, a key part of the Epiphany tradition. Afterward, believers can take part in the ritual dips at official sites.

Ten beaches have been prepared for the event, though their exact names are not listed. Mayak Beach in Sochi’s Central District is one confirmed location. Adler and Khosta districts each offer two dip sites, while Lazarevsky District has five. Safety remains a priority, with lifeguards, medical staff, and heating stations available at each spot. If storms arise, beaches may close, and warning signs will be posted. Public transport will also adjust, with Bus No. 17 running until 2:00 AM on the night of January 18–19.

The city has organised the event with precautions against weather risks and safety hazards. Participants can attend services, receive blessed water, and take part in dips at monitored locations. Authorities will provide updates if conditions change.