A statue of a sponge diver looks to the heavens and serves a reminder of this community’s past, while teen aged boys prepare to run through  town claiming positions at  the bayou before retrieving the cross. Known by it’s nickname “Epiphany City”. Tarpon Springs boasts  the largest Epiphany celebration in the world. Each year, tens of thousands of Greek Orthodox faithful descend upon the historic town, known for its sponge diving past to witness the annual historic event. It’s descendants, many of which were from the island of Kalymnos have grown to be a formidable Greek community in North America.

Image courtesy of Eleftherios Kostans