Sub-zero temperatures couldn't stop would-be bathers from taking the plunge into ice-cold water on Sunday evening in the Russian capital Moscow for the occasion known as the Epiphany, marking the Baptism of Christ according to the Russian Orthodox calendar.
Men and women of all ages as well as young children gathered at frozen Ostankinskiy Pond in north Moscow to take a dip. Upon arrival, bathers undress in specially heated tents located on the edge of the pond. Having donned swimsuits, they proceed to the pond where a hole in the shape of a cross has been carved out of the ice. Divers traditionally go under the water three times, in reference to the holy trinity.
Lines were long at this Sunday's event, which took place in -5 C weather. Though most bathers emerge from the water shivering, those who spoke to The Anadolu Agency's correspondent described the experience as "very positive" and "exhilarating."
