Mark your calendars for the Blessing of the Waters Ceremony and Glenelg Greek Festival this weekend.
The traditional Glenelg Greek Festival will unfold over two days, Saturday, January 6, and Sunday, January 7 at the grassed foreshore area in front of the Stamford Grand Hotel.
The 44th Blessing of the Waters Ceremony, a centuries-old tradition, will unfold on Sunday at Glenelg Jetty from 12.30pm.
Over 50 registered swimmers will immerse themselves in the ancient religious celebrations, also known as the Feast of Lights.
The participants aim to be the first to retrieve the crucifix tossed into the sea from the jetty.
The successful swimmer will be awarded a gold crucifix and is believed to receive a special blessing for the upcoming year.
Led byBishop Silouan of Sinope and joined by Adelaide’s Orthodox Christian Clergy from various churches, the Procession onto the Glenelg Jetty will culminate in the cross being thrown to the swimmers.
Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, will be present alongside other local, state, and federal dignitaries.
The festival, supported by more than 120 volunteers from the Parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in South Australia, promises an array of music and dance performances.
Attendees can also indulge in traditional Greek cuisine.
