Are you feeling nostalgic because the holiday season has come to an end? Well, don’t be. Instead, head on over to Mexico, where one of their most important holiday celebrations is about to take place. On January 6, Mexican families celebrate Three Kings’ Day, or Día de los Reyes Magos, which represents the culmination of the Christmas season. This special day commemorates the day when the Three Wise Men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Baby Jesus.
Traditionally in Mexico, Santa Claus is not as popular as he is north of the border. Instead, it is the Three Wise Men who are the bearers of gifts and for whom children anxiously await each year. Mexican families also celebrate this day by gathering and eating some delicious Rosca de Reyes bread and drinking hot chocolate. The traditional Rosca de Reyes is a sweet round or oval-shaped bread that is decorated with slices of crystallized or candied fruit. This bread-like cake includes at least one plastic figurine inside representing Baby Jesus. Traditionally, each guest must take the knife and cut their own piece, and whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine is responsible for hosting a party on Candlemas (February 2nd) and providing tamales and atole to the guests. So, if you thought that after January 6 the fun was over, think again!
If you would like to learn how to make the traditional Rosca de Reyes Mexican bread, click here.
Fun Fact: Traditionally, the Three Wise Men leave presents in or near the shoes of children. For this reason, it is customary for children to place their old shoes with a wish list on top on the eve of Three King’s Day. In the morning, the shoes are filled with toys, gifts, and/or money from the wise men.