![]() Click below to download the FREE complete lesson which includes: lesson plan, activities, rosca de reyes recipe in Spanish, practice exercises and life application project instructions. The tradition of Tres Reyes is often viewed as a way of keeping the true meaning of Christmas in the holiday. When the cake is sliced and eaten, the person who finds the baby Jesus in his or her slice has to host the rest of the family for La Candelaria, a celebration on February 2nd. The rest of the day is reserved for mass, parties with family, and a feast that often includes eating Rosca de Reyes (King Cake), a cake in the shape of a king’s crown, with a small figurine of the baby Jesus baked in: The next morning, children awaken to find gifts in place of the letter – or perhaps coal or an onion if they’ve behaved badly during the previous year. They leave the letters either in their shoes or in a small box under their bed on the night of January 5th, and also leave out hay and water for the Three Kings’ animals. The tradition holds special meaning for children who, instead of asking Santa Claus for gifts, write letters to the Three Kings asking for specific gifts. However, in some areas of Latin America, Spain, and Europe, the exchange of gifts often occurs on El Día de los Reyes. In the U.S., Christmas gifts are traditionally exchanged on December 25th, in celebration of the birth of Christ. El Día de los Reyes is considered to be the anniversary of the day that the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem with gifts for Jesus. On the twelfth day of Christmas, January 6, we celebrate Three Kings Day Celebrated most in Europe, Spain, and Latin America, El Dia de los Reyes. January 6th – the actual last day of the Christmas season – is called el Día de los Reyes or el Día de los Tres Reyes in Latin America (Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night). Click here to grab the free lesson plan & cultural activities! The 12 days begin on Christmas Day and end on January 5th, followed by el Día de los Reyes. What is the connection between los Tres Reyes Magos and the 12 days of Christmas? Have you ever wondered why there are “ Twelve Days of Christmas“? Well, Biblical interpretations and Christmas traditions have changed over the centuries across various regions and sects of Christianity, but the 12 days are generally taken to represent the time it took the Three Wise Men (Magi) to get to Bethlehem bearing gifts for baby Jesus. They throw sweets and other small gifts to the expectant crowd and are accompanied by music and other performing acts.Let’s Talk About El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos! From their arrival point, the Kings form a procession through the city, often up to several kilometres. Nevertheless, the principle is the same: the three kings come bearing gifts and their arrival is greeted by thousands of excited children. ![]() In Madrid they usually arrive by horse, in Valencia they arrive by boat and in smaller towns they often arrive by train. Do you have any special ways you celebrate Three Kings’ Day We’d love to hear it in the comments below. Unlike the three kings from the Bible, who arrived on camel, in Spain they use alternative methods. Los Tres Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) is a fun holiday and one I plan to continue celebrating each year so my kids can create their own memories and embrace this Latino tradition. The day before the Dia de Los Reyes, just after darkness has fallen, the Kings (Reyes Magos) arrive in each town and city to mark the start of the festivities. The day is nearly as important in Spanish culture as Christmas, especially for children as it is on the Dia de los Reyes that presents are exchanged in Spain. Celebrated on the 6th January, it is of course a festival marking the three kings that brought gifts to the baby Jesus. ![]() Los Tres Reyes (Three Kings), otherwise known as the Epiphany, are named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar.This holiday, 6 th of January, is celebrated much more widely than Christmas over here, and it’s the big gift-giving and family- oriented day. ![]() The Dia de Los Reyes is an important festival in Spain. Los Tres Reyes celebrated on the 6th of January. ![]()
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