Thousands turn out for Epiphany cross dive

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Thousands of people gathered in Tarpon Springs, Fla., Sunday to watch boys dive into the bayou looking for a crucifix during the town's Epiphany celebration.

The festival is part of the town's Greek Orthodox heritage, in which Epiphany Day -- also called the Feast of Lights -- is a major holy day commemorating Jesus Christ's baptism, The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune reported.

Tarpon Springs was founded in the early 20th century by Greek sponge divers.

Archbishop Demetrios, spiritual head of the U.S. Greek Orthodox Church, was on hand to throw the cross into the water and bless 18-year-old Chris Kavouklis of Tampa, who retrieved it.