Three Kings Day/ Dia de Los Reyes Magos
Three Kings' Day in Puerto Rico, celebrated on January 6th, is a key cultural and religious celebration that culminates the Christmas season, where children receive gifts from Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar- the three wise men that visited Jesus. On the night of January 5th, children cut grass for the camels and place it in shoeboxes (sometimes with a glass of water) under their beds or near the Christmas tree, hoping that the Three Kings will leave them gifts. The table is laden with festive dishes such as roasted pork, pasteles (plantain dough filled with meat), rice with pigeon peas, and desserts like tembleque and rice pudding, accompanied by coquito (a coconut-based drink). The celebrations continue with church services, traditional music, and more. :)
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