In Ljubovija, on the Drina river, since 2007, it has been traditional holds the Epiphany Cross swim.
This is an event that gathers an increasing number of participants every year, as well as the number of visitors who want to to observe a magnificent sight on the river Drina.
On January 19, Orthodox believers and the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) celebrate Epiphany, one of the 15 largest religious holidays. It can be said that, in a relatively short time, this interesting, popular and somewhat unique custom has become one of those that characteristic exclusively for our local Serbian Church, similar to the observance of Christmas Eve, baptism or numerous other Christmas, Easter, wedding, funeral and other folk customs.
Swimming for the Epiphany Cross is registered in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia.
Many brave and daring Orthodox believers mark Epiphany by traditional swimming for the HOLY CROSS in most Orthodox countries. It is believed that entering the water brings good health and washes away sins, as well as that all water becomes holy on Epiphany. Some believe that ice water can have a positive effect on the body. Among the Serbs, the custom of throwing the HOLY CROSS into the river has been renewed, and the participants compete to reach him and catch him first. According to the rule, one should swim 33 meters, which symbolizes the number of years how much Jesus Christ had when he was crucified on the cross.
The cross, to the one who swims to it first, brings good luck throughout the year. By this act, the competing believers demonstrate their chivalrous feat.