If you think the holiday season is over, think again. The holiday celebration continues for many people in the Latino community with Three Kings Day or Dia de Los Reyes. Take some time to read up on what this holiday represents and how many people in Spain, Mexico, and even the United States take part in celebrating it on January 6th.
Three Kings Day or as we say in Spanish: Dia de Los Reyes is known as the feast of epiphany that commemorates the day the wise men-Melchoir, Caspar, and Baltazar arrived with gifts for the newborn king, Jesus.
Catholics celebrate this holiday on January 6th as the climax of the 12 Days of Christmas.
As you may have read in the Bible the “wise men” followed the bright star to Bethlehem to show their love for baby Jesus. The wise men presented the newborn king with different kinds of gifts including gold.
HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?
Some popular traditions or customs of Three Kings Day include feasts and gift-giving. Most importantly you can’t have a Three Kings celebration without King Cake or Rosca de Reyes.
If you are thinking about Mardi Gras, then you are correct. King Cake is sometimes associated with Mardi Gras, but it is also eaten in honor of Epiphany. However, some differences separate the Louisiana-style cake from the one we eat on Three Kings Day.
Rosca de Reyes is a special bread that comes in the shape of an oval. The shape represents a crown. The bread is also topped with sugar and dried fruit. Dried fruit may include candied cherries and strips of guava. A baby Jesus is hidden inside of the bread. It is a flavorful bread that is sometimes accompanied by hot chocolate or coffee.
It is a tradition that whoever finds the hidden doll will receive good luck, but must also host a party on Candlemas, or Dia de la Candelaria on Feb. 2nd.
Children also leave out their shoes the night before the 6th for the wise men to place toys and candles inside. This tradition is similar to what children do for Christmas Day with stockings. Similarly to the tradition of leaving cookies and milk for Santa, children will collect hay or grass and leave it outside for the camels to eat.
Major cities in the U.S. celebrate Three Kings Day with parades that include live animals, musicians, and a procession of the Kings.
WHERE CAN I BUY A ROSCA DE REYES IN HUNTSVILLE?
I drove around Huntsville to check out different local businesses that will be selling Rosca de Reyes for this upcoming weekend celebration. Check out the list to find the closest location for you, if you are looking where to buy a Rosca de Reyes, King Cake.
Don Botanas Panaderia
Located on 2713 Patton Rd SW, Don Botanas, a Mexican bakery will be offering Roscas on its menu this week for its customers. You can reserve your own King Cake via phone or in person. Orders will be collected until January 4th. A deposit is required for all orders. However, if you don’t reserve, they will have extras that will be sold until January 7th. Two sizes of Rosca will be available at Don Botanas, small for $25 or large for $45. Ready to get your own Rosca from Don Botanas? Their doors open at 7 AM, so make your way there early if you would like to purchase a Rosca from them.
Location: 2713 Patton Rd SW
Contact: 256-417-2154
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7 AM - 9 PM | Sunday: 8 AM - 8 PM
El Patron Supermarket
Known for being one of the oldest Hispanic stores in the area, El Patron will also be offering King Cake or Rosca for sale in the coming days. Their sizes will include medium and small. El Patron will have a variety of Roscas that include different fillings. Fillings like guava, cheese, or pineapple will be available. Want a King Cake without a filling? No worries, El Patron has you covered. You can find El Patron Supermarket at 4008 Holmes Ave. or contact them at 256-517-8085 for more details.
Location: 4008 Holmes Ave
Contact: 256-517-8085
Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8 AM - 9 PM
Tienda Guanajuato
Last, but not least on the list is Tienda Guanajuato. Tienda Guanajuato is located at 2108 Triana Blvd and will also be selling King Cakes for you and your family. Their sizes will include small for $21.99, medium for $25.99, and large for $39.99. You can stop by and pay in advance for your Rosca or King Cake. Extras will be available for those who choose not to pay in advance and reserve their cake.
Location: 2108 Triana Blvd
Contact: 256-715-1435
Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8 AM - 9 PM
I hope you find this blog helpful for you to learn about the meaning of Three Kings Day. If you need a King Cake, make sure to stop by one of the locations listed above. Gather your friends and family, warm up your coffee or hot chocolate, and enjoy a bite of a delicious Rosca. Nos vemos pronto!
