Three Kings Day, or “El Dia de los Reyes” as it’s known in Spanish, is a festive highlight on January 6th, marking the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas. This day, celebrated with fervor across Europe, Spain, and Latin America, commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar – to the baby Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Unlike in the United States where Santa Claus reigns supreme, in places like Mexico and other Latin American countries, it’s the Three Wise Men who play the role of gift-bearers. Children eagerly leave their shoes out, hoping to find them filled with gifts the next morning. This tradition, steeped in history dating back to the 4th century, also includes the celebration of Jesus’ baptism and a grand feast in honor of the Wise Men.
One of the most enchanting aspects of Three Kings Day is the Rosca de Reyes, or King’s Cake. This sweet, circular bread, symbolizing a crown, often hides a tiny figurine of baby Jesus. The lucky finder is tasked with hosting the Candlemas celebration on February 2nd. This day is not just about gift-giving but also about enjoying delicious food, often outdoors, with traditional dishes that vary across cultures.
Around the globe, Three Kings Day is celebrated with unique traditions. In Puerto Rico, children fill boxes with grass for the Wise Men’s camels. Polish homes are marked with the year and the initials of the Three Wise Men using incense and chalk, while in England, Twelfth Night is a time for cake and merriment. Irish women take this day to relax and unwind after the busy Christmas season.
The King’s Cake is a central tradition, with 60,000 sold annually in California alone. In 2019, a record-breaking Rosca de Reyes measuring over 2 kilometers was created in Mexico. This grand celebration sees over 200,000 people in Mexico City gathering to share this iconic cake, with a portion made sugar-free for those who need it.
Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, is a day rich in history, tradition, and joy. It’s a time for more gifts, delicious feasts, and engaging in fun activities like making your own Rosca de Reyes or even taking part in a chilly swim, as is the tradition in Prague. Celebrated in various forms across the globe, this day reminds us of the continued joy and festivities even after Christmas, keeping the spirit alive with gifts, feasts, and cultural richness.
