In the U.S., Christmas festivities usually wrap up after December 25th. In Mexico, however, the festivities continue. One of the biggest celebrations associated with Christmas is Día de Reyes, the Day of the Kings, on January 6th. Día de Reyes is also called the Feast of Epiphany and celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings (or Three Wise Men) to Bethlehem to present gifts to the baby Jesus. In countries like Mexico, where the religious aspect of Christmas is still prominent, celebrations like Día de Reyes are important holidays. Mexican holiday celebrations are known for lively traditions and special food, and Día de Reyes is no exception.
Día de Reyes Traditions
Many of the traditions of Día de Reyes are similar to those we associate with Christmas Day. Although some gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the children often receive most of their gifts on Día de Reyes, as that is the day the baby Jesus received his gifts from the Three Kings. Children leave their shoes out the night before, along with a letter to the Three Kings detailing how good they have been all year and asking for particular presents. Some families even leave treats out for the animals the Kings ride: a camel, a horse, and an elephant. In the morning, the children’s shoes are filled with gifts and sweets.
Throughout the day, families may attend church or parade, but the celebration is primarily spent in the company of extended family. Families play games and enjoy a big meal full of traditional Mexican food and celebratory recipes.
Rosca de Reyes
The food most commonly associated with the Mexican celebration of Día de Reyes is Rosca de Reyes, Kings’ Bread. This is a ring-shaped sweet bread decorated with dried fruit and fruit paste. The bread’s shape and decoration represent the crowns of the Three Kings. Concealed within the bread is a tiny figure of a baby, representing the baby Jesus. Family members and guests take turns slicing the rosca, and whoever gets the slice with the baby figurine has to host the next holiday celebration, Candlemas, on February 2nd.
Enjoy Traditional Mexican Food This Holiday Season
At Los Reyes Street Tacos, we bring traditional Mexican food to our customers in Derry, NH, all year. Traditional flavors take on special significance around the holidays, so get your friends and family together and visit us!
