When the January cold "stings" and Pirin is heavy with snow, the city does not fall asleep after the noisy New Year's celebrations. On the contrary - the locals are preparing for Jordan's Day in Bansko, one of the most sacred events in the calendar. For tourists, the resort may be synonymous with skiing and hot wine, but for the keepers of centuries-old traditions, the real winter begins with the purifying power of water and the holiday called here "Voditsi".
💡 Useful information for visitors
The best view of the ritual is around the lake in the city park or the central square. We recommend being there no later than 10:30 a.m., to find a good place among the crowd.
Morning at the Holy Trinity Church„
The celebration begins early in the morning in the emblematic Church of the Holy Trinity. Even before sunrise, the air is filled with the scent of incense and beeswax. The church – a symbol of the Bulgarian revival and the rebellious spirit of the people of Banska Bystrica – is filled with laypeople of all generations. The solemn Holy Liturgy is just the beginning, a moment of humility before the emotional storm that lies ahead outside.
The Lithium March and the Road to Water
After the service, an impressive procession takes shape. At the head are the priests with banners, followed by the officials and the main heroes of the day – the daredevils who decided to jump for the cross. The procession passes through the cobblestone streets of the old town, drawing hundreds of people behind it.
The Ritual: The Icy Embrace of Voditsi
The culmination of Jordan's Day in Bansko occurs around 11:00 a.m. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, a group of men – some in folk costumes, others in swimsuits – warm up on the shore. Here, jumping for the cross is a matter of honor and an act of purification. The locals believe that whoever steps into the water on this day will be as healthy as a „Pirin mura“ for the entire year.
“The water literally „springs“ from the bodies of the jumpers. Unlike other places, in Bansko there is a spirit of sportsmanship and brotherhood, although the fight for the cross is contested.”
The lucky person who pulls out the crucifix is carried in their arms, and people kiss the cross and leave gifts for health. Then everyone tries to pour themselves some of the holy water, which is kept in front of the home icon throughout the year.
Holiday calendar: Voditsi and St. John's Day
In Bansko, the holiday does not end with getting out of the water. Jordan's Day (6th) and Ivanov's Day (7th) are perceived as one whole – the "Voditsi" cycle. Here's how the two days go:
| Date | Holiday | Main customs in Bansko |
|---|---|---|
| January 6 | Jordan's Day (Male Voditsi) | A liturgical procession, throwing of the cross, blessing of water. |
| January 7 | St. John's Day (Women's Day) | Ritual "bathing" of newlyweds and name-day guests, visit of the best men. |
Midsummer's Day: Bathing suits and twinning
If you stay on January 7th, you will witness the unique regional custom of „bathing.“ Tradition dictates that newlyweds who have married in the past year, as well as name-day children, be ritually sprinkled or „bathed“ for health.
St. John's Day is a holiday of godparenthood and fraternization. Young families visit their godparents with gifts - wine, bread and meat, as a sign of respect and continuity. The tables are decorated with Bansko specialties such as kapama, chomlek and kravavitsa.
Why visit Bansko in January?
The reflection or experience of Jordan's Day in Bansko is an encounter with the living root of Bulgaria. In our digital world, the sight of hundreds of people united by a tradition in the cold is inspiring. Bansko on Voditsi is different – raw, real and fragrant with basil and homemade wine.
English (UK)