Three Kings Day or Epiphany is a religious and cultural holiday celebrated on January 6th by many around the world primarily in Hispanic countries.
This is a Christian holiday that celebrates the day the three wise men came to see baby Jesus and brought him gifts. In most cultures, this holiday is celebrated by giving children gifts as well as many other fun traditions, Each region celebrates in their own way so here is a guide to a few of the world’s Three Kings Day celebrations.
In France, one of the traditions performed to celebrate Three Kings Day is baking “la galette de rois”. This is a cake with a figurine baked on the inside. When the cake is cut and eaten the person who finds the figurine in their slice receives a prize.
A tradition similar to this can be found in Mexico where a “Rosca de Reyes” is made and decorated to represent the gifts given to him by the wise men. Just like in la galette de rois, a figurine is hidden in this pastry. The figurine is usually a small plastic baby menat to represent baby Jesus.
A different tradition is done in Puerto Rico where the night before Three Kings Day, children leave a box of hay in their homes for the wise men’s camels. It is believed that if the children leave hay, they will receive better presents in the morning.
Despite this holiday being much smaller than Christmas, it is still a very important holiday in many regions. Its celebration is accompanied by festivals, parades, and many many gifts for children. If you have a friend who celebrates Three Kings Day or Epiphany, be sure to send them well wishes on January 6th and ask them about their traditions.
