What Is Three Kings Day? Celebrate Día de Reyes the Spanish Way

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What is Three Kings Day about beyond rosca de Reyes (Three Kings bread) and regalos (gifts)? Otherwise referred to as la Fiesta de la Epifanía (the Feast of Epiphany), el Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) is a Christian holiday that celebrates the arrival of los Reyes Magos (the magi) on the 12th day of Christmas. A day filled with magic and tradition, it’s a cherished celebration in Spain and Latin America. 

As you learn about this special holiday, you’ll probably run across new vocabulary in Spanish related to traditions, celebrations, and religion. It’s part of your journey to learn Spanish so you can connect to other cultures and how they celebrate holidays like Three Kings Day. 

What is Three Kings Day all about?

Wandering around Old San Juan on January 5th, you might spot a flyer for una fiesta de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings party). Your curiosity is piqued. So, what is Three Kings Day, exactly? This winter holiday commemorates the arrival of the three wise men (Balthazar, Melchior, and Gaspar) in Bethlehem to worship the newborn Christ child. Beyond its religious significance, Three Kings Day marks the end of la temporada navideña (the Christmas season) and paves the way for a fresh start and new beginnings. 

The story of Los Reyes Magos (the three wise men)

In Spanish and Latin American cultures, Three Kings Day celebrates the story of the three wise men, also known as the magi or the three kings, and their journey to pay homage to the baby Jesus. Additional texts referenced by Britannica and National Geographic have given us more details about who they were beyond what is traditionally found in the Bible. You can read how the story goes in Spanish and English. 

When is Three Kings Day celebrated? 

Many Roman Catholics celebrate Three Kings Day 12 days after Christmas on el seis de enero (January 6th). If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Spain during this time, you’ll be delighted to find that Spaniards celebrate this holiday over two days: January 5th and 6th. 

Who celebrates Three Kings Day?

Three Kings Day is celebrated throughout the Spanish-speaking world, in Spain, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Many European countries, such as France and Portugal, also celebrate it but do not recognize it as a public holiday. 

Three Kings Day traditions and celebrations in Spain and South America

Three Kings Day boasts an array of colorful tradiciones (traditions) across the Spanish-speaking world, from parades and presents to parties with pitorro. The best way to join in the celebrations is to start learning Spanish. With Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion approach, you’ll be well-equipped to take part in these traditions and connect with Spanish-speaking communities.

Traditions in Mexico

Planning on spending Christmas in Mexico this year? As you walk along the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende or explore the charming neighborhoods of Oaxaca, you’ll be greeted by an abundance of pesebres (nativity scenes) displayed in homes, shops, and churches, creating a magical atmosphere. On January 5th, you’ll see the addition of the Three Kings adorned in rich robes bearing their symbolic gifts.

Excitement fills the air on la Noche de Reyes (the night before Three Kings Day) when children fill their zapatos (shoes) with paja (hay) in preparation for the Kings and their hungry camels. In the morning, they’ll find their shoes filled with small gifts, solidifying this Mexican holiday as a favorite in many households. 

How Puerto Rico celebrates

While many parts of the world have bid farewell to the holiday season by January 5th, Puerto Rico is still immersed in holiday cheer, celebrating Three Kings Day with parrandas. This lively tradition involves surprising friends and families with impromptu musical serenades in front of their homes, often accompanied by traditional instruments like el cuatro.The revelry typically begins around 10 p.m. and continues well into the night, as friends and family gather to enjoy food, drinks, and lively conversation.

In the morning, excited children will look under their camas (beds) and find presents in the box of hay they left for the camels. Similar to the Christmas tradition in Italy and the United States, naughty children may find un trozo de carbón (a lump of coal). 

Celebrations in Spain

Spain is renowned for its flamboyant desfiles (parades), and La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings Parade) is a prime example of its festive spirit. With its vibrant carrozas (floats), disfraces (costumes), and millions of caramelos (candies), this procession is a highlight of the holiday season.

After the three-hour-long parade, families return home to prepare for the kings’ visit. They leave out agua (water) for the camels and vino (wine) for the Kings. The children leave their best pairs of shoes by the door to be filled with small toys and other gifts. Like many Mexican and Puerto Rican families, Spanish families typically wait until January 6th to exchange presents instead of the western tradition of opening presents on Christmas Day.

Argentine traditions

Argentine children, like their peers in other Spanish-speaking countries, write cartas (letters) to the three kings. These letters often include a wishlist for gifts, as well as wishes and hopes for the new year. The children leave their letters by the door or under el árbol de Navidad (the Christmas tree). 

Traditional Three Kings Day food and drinks

Comida y bebidas (food and drinks) play a major role in holiday traditions in Spain and Latin America. Familiarize yourself with some of the most popular Three Kings Day dishes in the Spanish-speaking world to fully immerse yourself in this delightful holiday. 

Rosca de Reyes: the heart of the celebration

Rosca de Reyes (King cake), referred to as roscón de Reyes in Spain, is a traditional sweet bread bejeweled like a King’s crown with colorful frutos secos (dried fruits and nuts). Rosca translates as “wreath,” and its round shape represents the eternal love of God. 

The excitement of this cake doesn’t stop there—inside you’ll find a tiny plastic baby that symbolizes Jesus in hiding. In Mexico, it’s tradition that whoever finds the figurine is responsible for preparing tamales for Candlemas on February 2nd. In Spain, whoever finds the figurine makes the roscón de Reyes the following year.  

Picadillo: Three Kings comfort food

Picadillo is a popular dish enjoyed on Three Kings Day throughout Spain and Latin America. Its base typically consists of carne picada (ground meat) and sofrito, a flavorful sauce made from tomates (tomatoes), ajo (garlic), pimientos (peppers), cebolla (onion), and hierbas (herbs). 

The inclusion of other ingredients, such as papas (potatoes), aceitunas (olives), and pasas (raisins) can vary widely depending on regional preferences and culinary traditions. Picadillo is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course alongside rice and beans or as a filling for tacos, empanadas, or other dishes.

Cochinillo asado: a traditional feast fit for a king

Cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), a traditional Castilian dish, is a few-weeks-old piglet, cooked whole in a clay dish over an oak wood fire. This hearty dish is the centerpiece of many Spanish celebrations. Although it originated in the ancient Spanish kingdom of Castilla (Castile), it is commonly enjoyed throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Outside of Spain, it is referred to as el lechón asado. 

Toast the three magi with Coquito

Puerto Rican parrandas (lively gatherings with singing and music) wouldn’t be the same without coquito. Coquito is a traditional eggnog-like drink made with coconut milk and pitorro, which is authentic Puerto Rican moonshine. 

Essential vocabulary to celebrate properly

Have you ever made papel picado (tissue paper with cut-out shapes) for Día de los Muertos or hung muérdagos (mistletoe) on Christmas? Every holiday and celebration has a unique vocabulary that enriches the cultural experience. To enhance your understanding of Three Kings Day, check out this chart with common phrases you could use. 

What to say on Three Kings Day  

As a significant cultural event in Spanish-speaking countries, being able to wish someone “Happy Three Kings Day” in Spanish is a great way to show awareness and respect. 

• Feliz Día de Reyes. Que le traigan salud, amor y prosperidad. = Happy Three Kings Day. May they bring you health, love, and prosperity. 

• Feliz Día de los Reyes Magos. Pásalo lindo. = Happy Three Kings Day. Have a nice time.

Key takeaways to celebrate this popular Spanish holiday

Three Kings Day is a deeply rooted tradition in Latin America, Spain, and Hispanic communities throughout the US. Knowing key information about what it is and how it’s celebrated will help foster conversations and connections with Spanish-speaking friends and communities. 

• It’s a Christian celebration that commemorates the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus.
• Three Kings Day is celebrated on January 6th, though celebrations could begin on the 5th in some countries like Spain. 
• On the eve of the holiday, children leave out hay-filled boxes or shoes for the wise men’s animals.
• Families gather to open gifts and enjoy traditional foods like Three Kings bread.