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Nude swimmers in Tasmania: conclusion of the two-week winter festival »Dark Mofo«
Photo: Rob Blakers / dpa
Clad only in red swim caps, thousands of swimmers plunged into frigid waters on the Australian island of Tasmania to mark the winter solstice.
It marks the end of the longest night of the year in the southern hemisphere - traditionally a reason for many Australians to jump naked into the River Derwent in Hobart at sunrise.
Around 2,000 people reportedly attended this year.
The outside temperature was therefore only five degrees Celsius early Wednesday morning, the water temperature at least eleven degrees.
"The annual nude swim at the solstice is said to bring 'renewal and revitalization' to those willing to strip outside during a Tasmanian winter," Australian broadcaster ABC said of the curious custom.
One participant spoke of a "real party atmosphere".
In view of the cool temperatures, however, most of them only dived into the cold water for a very short time and then immediately wrapped themselves in towels again.
Since 2013, nude swimming to greet the days that are getting longer has marked the conclusion of the two-week winter festival »Dark Mofo« in Tasmania. At the time, it almost fell into the water after the police threatened to arrest participants for public immorality.
In 2020 the event had to be canceled due to the corona pandemic, last year it only took place in a reduced form.
wit/dpa
