During the Theofania (also "Epiphany" or "Fota"), on January 6, traditional celebrations take place around Greece to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist, according to the Orthodox Church, and the banishing of the mischievous Kalikantzaroi (goblins) back to the hollow earth for another year round, according to popular belief.

In all Greek cities and villages the priests bless the waters with the Holy Cross on that day, while many brave swimmers jump into the icy sea or river waters, despite the cold weather to catch the Cross and get the priest’s blessing for the year. Furthermore, children sing the Epiphany Kalanda (carols) [video].

Across Thessaly, on the eve of Epiphany the Rougkatsia [video] are the main attraction of the holiday with groups of 10 to 15 persons dressed up in costumes, wandering from house to house singing the celebrating carols and hoping for a small amount of money in return. Residents in Kastoria and Kozani have a similar tradition called the Ragkoutsaria. People put on their symbolic and scary, painted masks in order to exorcise the evil spirits from the city and brass bands play all over.