What to Know for the Tarpon Springs Epiphany Celebration Today

Up to 30,000 people could attend the 106th Epiphany Celebration today at Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs.

The annual Greek Orthodox celebration symbolizes the baptism of Christ. During the ceremony,  teenage boys will walk from the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral to the Bayou where they will jump into the water and swim to boats arranged in a semi-circle. At 1 p.m, a dove will be released and a wooden cross will be thrown into the water. The boys will dive into the water to retrieve the cross. Whoever gets the cross is believed to gain favor from God.

The Tarpon Springs Epiphany Celebration is the largest in the United States. Here is the schedule for Friday's events:

• 8 a.m.- Orthos and Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 36 N. Pinellas Ave. If you plan to enter the church, arrive early and dress appropriately in long slacks and long-sleeved shirts.
• Noon- Blessing of the waters
• 12:30 p.m.- Traditional litany procession to Spring Bayou
• 1 p.m.- Dove Release followed by the Cross Dive
• 1:30 to 9 p.m.- Glendi Festival which features live music and dancing at Spanos Pappas Community Center Theophilos Hall, 348 N. Pinellas Ave. Free admission. Food, beverages, Greek pastries and assorted bookstore items for sale.

You can expect road closures, congestion and heavy foot traffic. The procession will leave the Church at approximately 12:15 p.m. and travel from the church east on Orange St., south on Safford Ave., west on Tarpon Ave. to the Bayou.

The Beckett Bridge (AKA Yacht Club Drawbridge) on Riverside Drive will be locked with the spans in the up position - to allow for boat traffic to enter the Bayou. 

The Beckett Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The suggested detour is Meres Blvd and Florida Ave.

The boat ramp at Craig Park will be closed on Jan. 6 – between 4 a.m. and 3 p.m.