Serbian Armed Forces Members Participated in Swim for Holy Cross
Monday, 19.1.2026 | Culture and traditions
Members of the Serbian Armed Forces have participated this year in several cities and municipalities in the organization of the traditional swim for the Holy Cross on the great Christian holiday - Epiphany.
Cold water and low air temperature were not an obstacle for members of the Serbian Armed Forces, who swam for faith, honor and prestige at 31 locations together with numerous citizens.
Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić attended the swim for the Holy Cross on the river Rasina in the village of Šavrane near Kruševac. He has pointed out that the swim for the Holy Cross sends a strong message of faith, tradition and togetherness.
— This day is an opportunity to show unity and spirituality, but also to remember the values that connect and strengthen us as a community — mutual respect, solidarity and love. Such events preserve our identity and traditions and pass them on to younger generations— said Minister Gašić, congratulating today’s holiday with the traditional Christian greeting “God is revealed!”.
In order for this event to be successfully organized, the Serbian Armed Forces deployed their personnel, river boats, special vehicles and tankers, set up pontoon ferries and tents and provided hot drinks for the citizens who competed in the swim for the Holy Cross.
The swim for the epiphany cross in open waters, which marks the day of Christ's baptism, is registered in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia, and, respecting tradition, members of the Serbian Armed Forces participate in the organization of this event every year.
