We show you some interesting facts and notes about the Three Kings Day celebration:
- It is considered that there were three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus at birth, due to the amount of gifts he received. Although some Eastern churches estimate that there were twelve 12 kings.
- The adoration of the Magi to the Child Jesus is considered the epiphany or manifestation of Christ to non-Jews.
- In some countries the wise men are venerated as saints, who watch over the Baby Jesus in his manger.
- In Puerto Rico there are statues dedicated to the Three Kings.
- The three Wise Men represented the pagan religions of Europe, Asia and Africa.
- At the initiative of Saint Francis of Assisi, the figures of the Magi were included in the births.
- The establishment of the capital of Peru coincides with Three Kings Day. Francisco Pizarro baptized Lima as the City of Kings.
More than a religious celebration, Three Kings Day is considered a tradition, in which children usually receive gifts from the Magi, signifying the closing of the Christmas season in many countries. Let’s see some of the traditions, customs and typical dishes to celebrate Three Kings Day in the world:
Spain:
• On the night of January 5, the Cavalcade of the Magi is celebrated in all cities and towns.• Children clean their shoes and put them in an appropriate place in their homes to receive their gifts. They leave a glass or bowl with water, milk and nougat to receive the kings while they sleep.
• It is a national holiday. Families gather to eat and enjoy a great dessert: the Roscón de Reyes, stuffed with candied fruits and dried fruits, accompanied by a good wine.Cuba:
• The Three Kings Day is known as the Easter of the Blacks and San Baltazar’s Day, due to the fact that in colonial times the slaves were granted a day of rest, who went out to celebrate and dance to the rhythm of the drums.
• People get together as a family, dance in honor of the baby Jesus and the Three Wise Men, and share typical sweets, such as chocolates and Easter bread.
Argentina:• Children place their shoes next to the manger or nativity scene to receive gifts the next day.
• It is a tradition to leave food and water for the Kings and their camels.
Italy:
• During the night of January 5 and 6, the Befana is in charge of bringing gifts to the children, who place socks hanging in their room, as well as food for this peculiar character.
• According to Italian tradition, she is a witch who travels on a broomstick, handing out sweets for good children and coal for those who have misbehaved.• It is usual to leave sweets or liquor to the Befana, as a sign of gratitude.
Peru:
• The Bajada de Reyes is carried out, which consists of a family celebration, placing images of the Magi at the feet of the child Jesus at birth. Then the nativity scene or nativity scene is dismantled to save it and use it in the next Christmas.
• It is a tradition to carry out the Cavalcade of the Magi on January 5 with a tour of the streets, riding on horseback or in floats.
Mexico:
• They celebrate this day with the tradition of the Roscón de Reyes, to which they add a small figure of the Child Jesus that they affectionately call “little monkey”. The person graced with this figurine should invite their friends and family to have atole and tamales on February 2, La Candelaria day.
• People come to visit the “Sanctuary of the Holy Kings” in Tizimin (Yucatán). It is a church whose construction dates from the seventeenth century. Carved wooden figures of the Magi are removed from their niches so that visitors can venerate them.
