Russians in the southern city of Anapa took their traditional Epiphany dips in waters affected by a major oil spill, officials said, despite concerns about the toxic pollution. Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany on the night of Jan. 18-19, with Russians across the country typically plunging themselves into icy seas, lakes and rivers to mark the occasion. Officials in the southern city of Anapa said the festivities went ahead on the city’s beach, despite the entire area having been contaminated by an ongoing major oil spill.

Russians take Epiphany dip in waters hit by oil spill. (2025, January 21). Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A5.