Celebrated in Europe and Latin America, Three Kings Day happens on the twelfth day of the Christmas season. Up until the 4 th century, when the Christian calendar changed, this was the day that Christmas was celebrated. Hispanic cultures still celebrate this special day as the main day of the Christmas season.

December 25,  is a day for family and religion. Gift giving and festivities happen on January 6. Children put out their shoes in hopes that the kings will bring them gifts, just as they did for Baby Jesus.  A special sweet bread, known as a rosca is baked especially for this day.  A small baby representing the Christ child is baked into the dough. This symbolizes the hiding of the baby from King Herod's army.   Traditionally, the person who gets the piece with the baby must give a party on or before February 2, which is Candlemas Day.   In Mexico, they make tamales and serve atole, a sweet, hot drink that is thickened with corn flour. 

I have been lucky enough to celebrate this day in both Mexico and Spain. My first Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) took place in the northern Yucatecan town of Tizimin. This small town, in the heart of agricultural country, teemed with a carnival atmosphere.  Merchant's tents covered the main square and the contest of the day seemed to be who could play the tapes that they were selling, the loudest.  My hotel faced the square and far into the wee hours of the morning the high decibels of these competing sales people tortured my eardrums and kept me from sleep.   This was truly a different way to experience the holiday.

My next experience with January 6, took place in the delightful Basque town of Donostia (San Sebastian ). The entire town was decked out in holiday décor with a parade as the highlight of the day.  The streets were filled with families and children awaiting the arrival of the main float with the elegantly garbed three kings.  Many floats passed by, tossing out candy and trinkets to the children and bystanders who scrambled to get their treats. The stores were brimming with last minute shoppers and the bakeries provide the popular rosca. It is truly a spectacular time.

I found that the rosca, which is often shaped like a wreath, contains more than one baby in it.  That makes it possible for several people to host the Candlemas party or at least gives several people the opportunity to volunteer to host the party.

If you want to experience this special event, take a trip to Mexico, Spain, Puerto Rico, or any other Hispanic country. You may then enjoy all 12 days of Christmas.

Happy Holidays and Happy Traveling.

If you have questions you may e-mail me at:

Theresa@photoandtravel.com