The day symbolizing the Solemn Blessing of Waters, is an important holiday for the Christian believers in the Albanian museum city of Berat.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared Monday a gallery of photos showing the cross finding ceremony along Osum River, where some young people dove into cold waters waiting for the cross to be thrown into the river.

“The cross finding ritual in Osum waters, where faithful commemorate the Blessed Water Day over the centuries,” PM Rama said in a post on the social media.

The 6th of January is one of the most important events and celebratory occasion for Christian faithful in Berat and one of the holiest events particularly for Orthodox and Catholics as this feast day commemorates the baptism by St. John the Baptist, in the Jordan River, and they follow the example of the holy baptism by throwing the cross into Osum River.

This day’s ceremony kicked off on early morning at the church in centre of the city and believers headed to Osum River after the religious rituals were carried out.

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