Greek Orthodox Christians were pictured plunging into rivers and open water to chase after a cross in Istanbul and Cyprus today.
According to tradition, the priest throws the cross into the water and the swimmer that returns the cross will be blessed.
Eastern Orthodox churches believe the Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.
Although the Greek Orthodox church celebrates Epiphany today, many other Eastern churches do not celebrate it until January 19.
In places such as Russia, water is believed to have healing powers for the day and people take ice baths as part of the celebration.
Polish swimmers went into the lake of Glebokie during the ‘Three Kings Swimming’ on the occasion of the Epiphany today.
Western Churches also mark the Epiphany today and believe that it marks the visit of the three kings to the Baby Jesus.
The bible tells of how kings followed the star of Bethlehem in order to find Jesus and bring him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Epiphany is known as Dia de los Reyes, or Three Kings’ Day, in the Spanish-speaking world.
The Three Kings – Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar – were seen greeting children and their parents during the Twelfth Night procession in Bilbao, Spain.
According to Polish tradition, the Epiphany procession of the Three Wise Men goes through most Polish cities and towns.
The Church of England says that Twelfth Night falls on the eve of Epiphany, although some Christians celebrate it on January 6.
Pope Francis was seen kissing the Baby Jesus as he attends a solemn mass to commemorate the Feast of the Epiphany at the St Peter’s Basilica.
READ MORE: WHAT IS EPIPHANY?