Today is the Greek celebration of Epiphany, the holy day marking the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. It's a religious holiday for the city's large Greek Orthodox population, and the largest such celebration in the Western Hemisphere.
But the event also draws thousands of tourists who come to watch young men dive into Spring Bayou for a wooden cross thrown by Archbishop Demetrios, shown above in 2004. The one who comes up with the cross is said to be blessed for the coming year.
The church service begins at 10 a.m. today with a service at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 18 N Hibiscus St., followed by a procession to Spring Bayou, west of downtown. After the cross dive, a glendi, or festival, follows in Craig Park with Greek dancing, food and music.
