For many people in the United States, January 6 is pretty uneventful, but for the people of Mexico and Spain it's a day of festivity, kind of like Christmas--Three Kings' Day! Also known as Dia de Los Reyes or Epiphany, this is a day to celebrate the Three Wise Men who traveled far to bring baby Jesus gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.
Historically, traditions for Three Kings' Day
include leaving shoes out by the fireplace the night before, filled with hay for the camels that the Three Kings' rode on, in the hopes that they would be generous and leave the children gifts in return. In the morning, children woke to shoes full of gifts, if they were good. Sounds a lot like milk and cookies for Santa!
January 5 is also a day of great public celebration. Parades for the eve of this festive event include dancers, musicians, puppeteers, and the Three Kings' riding on camels or elaborate floats throwing candy, sweets, or other goodies down to children.
Another tradition still honored on Epiphany is the eating of Rosca (meaning wreath) de Reyes (meaning kings), or King's cake. Rosca de Reyes is a sweetbread with dried and candied fruits that represent the jewels in a king's crown. Before baking, the chef inserts one or more baby figurines inside the dessert, representing baby Jesus, and each person cuts their own serving of the tasty treat. Whoever gets the baby Jesus must host a sort of "follow up party" on February 2, called Dia de la Candelaria, and marks the true official end of the holiday season.
It's important to know that Three Kings' Day is still celebrated by many today, both inside and outside the U.S. Some families celebrate both Christmas and Dia de los Reyes, while others choose to celebrate only one, and some make a compromise and combine the traditions of old and new on their chosen day.
Three Kings' Day is not a faded tradition: it's very much alive and well today and holds as much religious and cultural significance as Christmas.
To help with your Three Kings' Day celebration click here to download a FREE coloring sheet.
