MOSCOW — This year’s celebration of the Orthodox Christian feast of Epiphany, traditionally observed on January 19, has faced significant disruption due to unseasonably warm winter temperatures across Russia. Many locals, who usually participate in the age-old custom of plunging into icy waters, have found these rituals curtailed as safety concerns regarding thin ice have led to cancellations.
The event marks the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan, with participants immersing themselves in frozen lakes and rivers through openings cut into the ice. It’s a practice many believe enhances physical and spiritual well-being. Even so, emergency responders are deployed during these activities to assist anyone who may be overwhelmed by the shock of the cold water.
This year, local emergency services in various regions, including Saratov in the south and Karelia near Finland, have declared events unsafe due to the insufficient thickness of the ice. Conversely, some areas have opted to continue their festivities, although factors such as melting ice raise concerns as well. In Anapa, a city located along the Black Sea, officials have confirmed that the ritual will proceed in its usual location, despite the environmental fallout from recent oil spills resulting from the sinking of two tankers in the Kerch Strait.
Meteorologist Leonid Starkov from Gismeteo in Moscow reports that temperatures across Russia have exhibited an upward trend over the last 25 years, a phenomenon closely tied to global warming. He noted, “A significant portion of Russia will experience warmth during these Epiphany celebrations. The average temperatures are notably higher than usual.” Starkov pointed out that in cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow, signs of thawing have already become apparent, with southern regions recording temperatures between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).
In response to the harsh realities of climate change, officials have created alternative bathing sites in smaller bodies of water, ensuring that participants can still partake in the tradition. Although the water remains cold enough to elicit quick reactions from bathers, onlookers remain bundled in winter attire, watching the event unfold.
Starkov has emphasized the need for Russians to brace for a future characterized by more frequent instances of extreme weather. He remarked, “Over the past 25 years, we’ve seen six Epiphany celebrations marked by unusually low temperatures, of which five were notably cold. We are witnessing increasing weather extremes.” As climate patterns shift, it seems likely that traditional celebrations will need to be adjusted to accommodate the changing conditions.
