Epiphany 2025
Epiphany
, also known as Three Kings' Day, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the revelation of God in human form as Jesus Christ. It is typically celebrated on January 6th in the Western church and on January 19th in the Eastern church. In many European countries, this holiday is an important cultural and religious celebration.
When it's Epiphany 2025?
Date
05 Jan 2025Sunday
Length
1 DayIn the European continent, Epiphany is celebrated in a variety of ways. In Spain, it is a national holiday and one of the most important days of the year. Many Spanish communities hold parades, known as "cabalgatas," in which participants dress up as the three wise men and ride horses through the streets. In Barcelona, the city's famous cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, holds a special Mass on Epiphany. In France, Epiphany is known as "La Fête des Rois," or "The Festival of the Kings," and is marked by the traditional French pastry, the "galette des rois," which is a cake filled with frangipane and topped with a small figurine.
Epiphany is also an important holiday in Italy, where it is known as "Epifania." In Rome, the Pope holds a special Mass at the Basilica of St. Peters on Epiphany, and many Italian cities hold parades and celebrations. In Germany, Epiphany is known as "Heilige Drei Könige," or "Three Holy Kings," and is a public holiday in some states. In Austria, Epiphany is known as "Heilige Dreikönigstag," and is a national holiday.
In many European countries, Epiphany is also a time for gift-giving. In Italy, children often receive gifts from "La Befana," a friendly witch who is said to visit children on Epiphany and leave gifts for those who have been good, and coal for those who have been naughty. In Germany, children often leave their shoes outside on the evening of January 5th in the hope that the three wise men will leave them small gifts.
In addition to its cultural and religious significance, Epiphany is also an important holiday for many European businesses. In Spain, for example, it is traditional for companies to give their employees a "bono de Reyes," or "Kings' bonus," in honor of the holiday.
Overall,
Epiphany
is an important holiday for many people in the European continent and is celebrated in a variety of ways. Whether it is through parades, gift-giving, or religious ceremonies, this holiday serves as a reminder of the revelation of God in the form of Jesus Christ and the significance of his birth.
Epiphany Customs throughout Europe
Tradition in:
In Bulgaria, Epiphany is known as "Bogoyavlenie," or "Theophany," and is a public holiday. On this day, many Bulgarians attend church services, and it is traditional for young men to brave the cold waters of rivers and lakes in a ceremony known as "koleduvane," or "caroling." This ceremony involves the blessing of the waters, which is believed to bring good health and prosperity to those who participate.
Tradition in:
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia, Epiphany is known as "Sveta Tri Kralja," or "Three Holy Kings," and is a public holiday. On this day, many Serbians attend church services and participate in traditional customs, such as the "krsna slava," or "name day," which is a celebration of the patron saint of a particular family. It is also traditional for young men to participate in the "plivanje," or "swimming," ceremony, in which they dive into the icy waters of rivers and lakes.
Tradition in:
Epiphany, also known as Three Kings' Day, is a Christian holiday that is celebrated in various ways in the Nordic countries of Europe. In Denmark, Epiphany is known as "Treykonger Dag," or "Three Kings' Day," and is not a public holiday. However, it is still an important holiday for many Danish Christians, who celebrate with traditional foods such as "Treykongeboller," or "Three Kings' buns." In Sweden, Epiphany is known as "Trettondedag Jul," or "Thirteenth Day of Christmas," and is a public holiday. Swedes celebrate with traditional activities such as the "Tjugondag Knut," or "Twentieth Day Knut," which involves children dressing up in costumes and singing and collecting sweets. In Norway, Epiphany is known as "Trettende Jul," or "Thirteenth Day of Christmas," and is not a public holiday, but is still celebrated with traditional foods and activities such as the "Sankthans," or "St. John's Eve," celebration. In Finland, Epiphany is known as "Loitsu," or "Epiphany," and is not a public holiday, but is still celebrated with traditional foods such as "laskiaispulla," or "Shrove buns," and activities such as the "Laskiaissunnuntai," or "Shrove Sunday," celebration.
Tradition in:
In Spain, Epiphany is a national holiday and is celebrated with parades known as "cabalgatas," in which participants dress up as the three wise men and ride horses through the streets. In France, Epiphany is known as "La Fête des Rois," or "The Festival of the Kings," and is marked by the traditional French pastry, the "galette des rois," which is a cake filled with frangipane and topped with a small figurine. In Italy, Epiphany is known as "Epifania" and is marked by the traditional Italian gift-giver, "La Befana," a friendly witch who leaves gifts for good children and coal for naughty children.
Tradition in:
In Germany, Epiphany is known as "Heilige Drei Könige," or "Three Holy Kings," and is a public holiday in some states. In Austria, Epiphany is known as "Heilige Dreikönigstag," and is a national holiday.