"Dia de los Reyes Magos"

Another tradition we celebrate is, “El Dia de los Reyes Magos” on January 6^th. For the most part this is for little kids. As Catholics that most of us are, we celebrate this day because we remember the day the three wise men followed the star that took them to Bethlehem to see baby Jesus. That day is when they arrived with their most treasured gifts. One of them took gold, the other one took frankincense and the last one took myrrh. On January 5^th, at night, before going to bed most of the children write a letter to “Los Reyes Magos” telling them what kind of presents they would like to receive. Every year, On January 6^th, we buy a “rosca” (bread that is in a circle shape. Decorated with fruits) and we cut it. Every rosca has three small dolls that represent baby Jesus inside of them and whoever gets one of them has to make a traditional Mexican dish. Also, an event takes place in every town or city to celebrate this special day that every kid waits for anxiously. People set up tables with all kinds of foods like: tostadas, tortas, tacos etc. and “aguinaldos” (little bags full of a variety of candy) so the kids can eat and have candy after. The place is decorated with colorful balloons, piñatas, and cute little stickers. This event consists of games, jokes and stories about baby Jesus and the Reyes Magos. Towards the end of the event, the people that perform the event dress up as the Reyes Magos and take the kids to the table that is full with toys and have them pick a toy if their choice. When the kids attend this event they take the letters they wrote the night before and tie them to a balloon. Once the event is over, all of the kids go outside with their balloons and their letter attached to them, and let them fly up, to the sky carrying all their wishes with them.

(Los Reyes Magos)

 (Rosca de Reyes)