Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes)
One of the traditions I treasure most in Mexico is celebrating Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6th. On this day, families gather to share a sweet ring-shaped bread called Rosca de Reyes, decorated with dried fruits and secretly baked with tiny plastic baby figurines inside.Everyone slices a piece, and whoever finds one of the babies is expected to host the next gathering on Día de la Candelaria (February 2nd), bringing tamales for everyone. It’s a tradition that brings people together not once, but twice — full of laughter, anticipation, and delicious food.There’s also a story (maybe more legend than fact) that the hidden babies represent when King Herod ordered all newborn boys to be killed in hopes of eliminating the prophesied Messiah. According to the tale, some families hid their babies in flour sacks to protect them — and the figurines inside the bread are said to symbolize that moment of protection and hope. Whether or not the story is entirely accurate, it adds a meaningful layer to a tradition that mixes joy, faith, and community — something truly special about Mexican culture.Sorry about the missing images. I searched my library and couldn't find any of us eating around the rosca but I promise I'll get you one next January.
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