Despite heavy rain and lightning storms, the Blessing of the Waters ceremony proceeded as planned at Port Melbourne’s Princess Pier, drawing hundreds of attendees at midday on Sunday.
The event, which was scheduled to begin at 12 pm, faced a delay of just over an hour due to the downpour.
Initially, the MC took to the stage to announce that participants could still register to dive for the cross. However, as soon as he finished, a torrential downpour caused a sudden scramble for shelter.
Children, elderly attendees, and families clutching souvlakia sought refuge under the gazebo at the pier’s center, while others huddled near food trucks or other covered spots. Intermittent lightning illuminated the stormy sky, with the cracks of thunder prompting gasps from the crowd.
Though some attendees left during breaks in the rain, others continued to arrive, undeterred by the weather.
By just after 1pm, the storm had passed, and the ceremony resumed. Participants and spectators gathered at the pier’s edge, where the stage was set for the Blessing of the Waters.
Thirty-five registered divers, both men and women, leaped into the bay, awaiting the ceremonial throw of the cross. Among them, Panagiotis from Clayton emerged victorious, retrieving the cross for the second time in his many years of participation.
Speaking to the media, Panagiotis expressed his joy at the achievement, noting that the tradition holds a special place in his heart.
The event, despite the earlier disruptions, concluded on a high note, with attendees celebrating the cherished annual tradition.
