Kings Day in Mexico - Dia de Reyes

Kings Day in Mexico is celebrated each year on January 6. It is also referred to as Three Kings Day. Twelve days after Christmas (Day of Epiphany on the Church Calendar) is when the three Wise Men, or three kings, brought gifts to the Baby Jesus.

 

On this day, the children in Mexican families will receive many gifts. This day is looked upon as more special than Santa Claus at Christmas, which is practiced, but still considered an 'imported' tradition.

 

Dia de Reyes is a day to come together with families and celebrate by partaking of the Rosca de Reyes, which is a sweetbread made in the shape of a wreath with candied fruit on top.

 

It is common to participate in several Rosca de Reyes on this day as family members make the rounds to visit each other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kings Day tradition holds that each person, including children, must cut their own piece of the bread. This is because the Rosca de Reyes contains a surprise inside. A small figurine of the Baby Jesus is baked in the bread. Depending on the bakery from where the bread is purchased, there may be only one figurine, or many.

 

The person who gets a figurine in their piece of bread is now committed to provide tamales for everyone present on February 2. This is the Dia de la Candeleria which is primarily a religious and family traditional celebration in Mexico. 

 

Enjoy a a piece of Rosca de Reyes and celebrate Kings Day in Mexico.

 

 

 

 

 

Dining Out Customs in Mexico