If you’ve spent a lot of time on the Gulf Coast of Florida, it’s easy to fall into the same old routine. Whether it’s just chilling by the beach or splashing in the pool, your vacations should be fun and relaxing, but what if you want to experience something different? So, if you’re interested in experiencing something new this January, then head onto Tarpon Springs and discover their epiphany celebration.
Guide to Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs, in Pinellas County, Florida is a beautifully picturesque waterside town with a passionate and vibrant Greek population. It’s easy to forget what country you’re in because of the heavy Greek influence that surrounds you when you’re in town.
You have lots of amazing Greek restaurants, stores and sites to behold making Tarpon Springs well worth a visit.
The town was also famed for their traditional sponge diving and it is still a fantastic place to pick a real sponge (we’ve bought dozens over the years).
What is the Epiphany
The feast day is one of the most important Christian celebrations of the entire year because it marks the commemoration of the revelation of Jesus Christ as the son of God.
This unique feast is celebrated by both the Eastern and Western Church, and millions of people around the world participate in liturgies, Masses, blessings of the waters, and many other traditional events which take place on this day.
Epiphany in Tarpon Springs
Because of the strong influence of the Greek orthodox church, Tarpon Springs takes the feast of the Epiphany very seriously.
What makes the Tarpon Springs epiphany celebration stand out is the Spring Bayou dive. After the Epiphany service, a dove
is released, the Archbishop casts a cross into the bayou and young men dive into the waters. The one diver who retrieves the cross is considered blessed for the entire year.
It’s a real highlight event and people from all around Florida come to watch.
Summary
So, if you’re up for seeing and experiencing something a little different this January, then the Tarpon Spring Epiphany should definitely be high up on your list.
After a rewarding day out, you can get back into vacation mode and enjoy swimming in the pool or sharing some wine in the hot tub. You can enjoy all this and more at the Eiko’s Beach House.
