Día de Reyes, also known as Three Kings’ Day, is celebrated in Mexico every year on January 6th. This tradition has deep religious, cultural, and family significance, and it marks the end of the Christmas season for many Mexican families.
The celebration commemorates the biblical story of the **Three Wise Men—Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar—**who traveled from afar to visit the baby Jesus. Guided by a star, they brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In Mexican tradition, this act of giving is remembered by exchanging gifts, especially for children, who traditionally receive presents on the morning of January 6th.
One of the most beloved traditions of Día de Reyes in Mexico is sharing the Rosca de Reyes, a large oval-shaped sweet bread decorated with dried fruits. The shape represents a crown, symbolizing the kings, while the fruits resemble the jewels on a royal crown. Hidden inside the rosca are small figurines of baby Jesus. Finding one is considered a blessing, but it also comes with the responsibility of hosting a meal—usually tamales and atole—on Día de la Candelaria, celebrated on February 2nd.
Beyond its religious roots, Día de Reyes is a celebration of family, generosity, and community. Families and friends gather to share the rosca, laugh, and continue traditions that have been passed down for generations. For many Mexicans, this day holds as much emotional importance as Christmas itself.
Día de Reyes reminds us of the joy of giving, the value of togetherness, and the beauty of keeping cultural traditions alive—connecting faith, history, and family in a meaningful way.