Every St. John’s day, celebrated on 20th January in Bulgaria, men from Perushtitca bathe in the icy river Perushtinska. The custom “Kapanki” dates from ages ago. In it participate includes guys who are newlyweds and are married in the previous year. Most often, young people leap into the icy waters of Cholakov bridge in the city.
The tradition is respected for many years and so far no one was ill after the ice bath. To show solidarity with the newlywed usually, the groom enters the cold water with his best man. The spectators who gather near the bridge also don’t go home dry. According to the custom, the newlyweds spray the audience with cold water.
Every young man also has to pour a jug of wine in river begging for health. Then the participants in the ritual feast with a traditional dish – chicken with cabbage and local wine. According to the tradition, the wives of the participants also have to feel the icy water. After the ceremony the newlyweds bring home jug with water and also wet them. The purpose is to have healthy offspring.
