In Mexico, after Christmas and New Year’s Eve we still have
another big celebration and is the day the three wise men came to visit new
born baby Jesus. We call this holiday "Día de los Reyes Magos" it is on January 6th, and
let us at ABC Spanish Lessons in London share a bit of how do we celebrate it in Mexico.
The day before families and friends gather to share what use
to be hundreds of years ago just a cake to celebrate God's Son birth. Nowdays it is not just a regular cake, it is more like a bread with dried fruits and sugar paste on top. It is
delicious!!! If you haven't tried it, please look forward for the opportunity
to do so.
There are many different ways of preparing one, but the
shape is always the same, an oval with a variety of toppings. But what you
shouldn’t miss is to have it with a nice cup of hot chocolate!
The peculiar think about this bread also known as “Rosca de
Reyes” in Mexico or “Roscón de Reyes in Spain” is that inside it has tiny
plastic babies representing baby Jesus, and the tradition says that whoever
gets them will have to host the next celebration on February 2nd "El día de la Candelaria" with some tamales for dinner!
The story says that when the three Kings came from the west
to visit the new born child, they brought him three very representative
presents: gold, myrrh and incense.
During the night before, all kids prepare well their shoes and wait for
next morning presents, as baby Jesus received them. In some parts of Mexico
this day is even more important than Christmas itself.
Have you ever tried the “Rosca de Reyes” or receive presents
on this holiday? Would you like to share with us memories about this day?
Greetings,
Karla Juced
