Men will dance in the icy waters of the Ogosta River for the first time

published on 1/5/24 9:35 PM

Photo: montana.bg

For more than 20 years in the city of Montana, there has been a tradition on January 6 for people to go to Montanenzium Park, where there is an artificial lake, suitable for conducting the Orthodox Christian ritual called "Saving the Holy Cross" on the Epiphany. Enthusiasts to plunge into the park's icy waters are usually no more than 20 residents of Montana. This year, however, the church ritual will attract many more fans of the tradition from the Northwest. To the ritual of sanctifying the water and saving the Cross of God in Montana, a new folk element is added, namely a male dance, like the one that attracts many guests every year in the town of Kalofer.

The cross in Montana will be thrown into the icy waters of the Ogosta River. The river was gold-bearing and became an emblem for the locals. It is also prepared to "receive" the daredevils on the day of the Epiphany. The initiative for the Epiphany male round dance is the association "New Beginning BG 2020" and the dance group "Radost", Neli Vasileva, chief expert in the Municipality of Montana, explained to Radio Bulgaria. She clarified that the idea of the dance is supported by the Municipality and the Vidin Metropolis:

"The river is safe, the place has been carefully chosen for the choro. It has been decided that it will happen on January 6 at the pedestrian bridge of the Ogosta River, and there is also a large meadow nearby where people can then gather and let the holiday continue. The great water blessing ritual on Epiphany itself will be officiated by Archimandrite Antim and priests from Montana. Those wishing to participate in the ritual of saving the Epiphany Cross will first kiss the Cross, be sprinkled with holy water, and only after that it will be thrown into the river. Whoever catches the Holy Symbol will also receive a monetary reward from the Municipality and will lead the horo dance, which will then meander to the accompaniment of the brass band Mont Music. Since we are in the Northwest, we cannot do without brass music. Also, the dancing men in the river will carry with them a ten-meter national flag."

Pedestrian bridge over Ogosta River in Montana

The number of daring men ready to jump into the icy waters of the river will become clear just before the performance of the ritual, but at least 20 people from the dance formation have already expressed a desire to participate. Another special requirement this year is that all those who will jump for the Epiphany Cross in Montana must be dressed in national costumes or at least have an element of the costume, such as a sash, waistcoat or just a shirt. "The men's dance is not typical for our region, such a tradition has never existed and until now there has not been a similar men's dance in Montana," Neli Vasileva also says.

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Photos: montana.bg, rmtv.bg

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