Winter Swimmers' Day (Walrus Day) in Russia
November 24 · Level 7 · #821 of 2238
Walrus Day in Russia is an informal holiday for people who swim in icy water through the winter and call themselves walruses. It is about hardening up, good company and staying warm in spirit.
How it is celebrated: winter swimming clubs organize group dips, warm up with tea and a banya, and teach newcomers how to prepare and how to stay safe on the ice.
In Russian, the word for walrus has long been a nickname for a winter swimmer. Doctors advise starting gradually, staying in the water only briefly and never swimming alone.