Epiphany, known in Croatian as 'Bogojavljenje,' is a public holiday in Croatia, celebrated every year on January 6. This Christian feast day is celebrated by both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches in Croatia. It is a sacred holiday that marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas, commemorating the three kings' visitation, or the Magi, to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
Epiphany holds a great significance in Croatian tradition. On this day, many Croatian Christians participate in church services and religious observances. One such unique tradition is the Epiphany Procession that takes place in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik. Here, local men from different parishes swim in the freezing Adriatic Sea to retrieve a wooden cross which has been blessed and thrown into the sea by the priest. The lucky one who successfully retrieves this cross is believed to be showered with good luck throughout the year.
Another interesting practice on the day of Epiphany in Croatia is the 'Blessing of the Homes'. Priests visit the houses of their congregation to bless them and their occupants for the coming year. Families usually prepare and consume traditional food, and it's also customary to exchange small gifts with friends and family. Like most Croatian holidays, Epiphany is also characterized by unique traditions that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and religious devotion.