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“Guaranteed delivery by January 6” is stated in bold all over amazon.es (“Amazon” in España—Spain).
What’s the big deal about January 6?
In Spain, it is a very big deal! January 6 is “El Dia de
“El Dia de los Reyes” is the day that children in Spain receive their Christmas gifts—not on December 25.
“Children from other parts of the world eagerly await Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Here in Spain, though, the jolly bearded man takes a backseat to the three kings of biblical lore. On the eve of January 5, children leave their shoes by the door with hopes that the three kings will leave gifts inside during their overnight visit.”
Tripsavvy
“Three Kings’ Day”—An Insider’s Perspective
In talking to my neighbor, I asked her about her family’s Christmas traditions.
“What do you do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?” I asked her.
“We get together with family and friends to eat a nice dinner on Christmas Eve and then again on Christmas Day,” she explained.
“Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day?” I continued my interrogation with cultural curiosity.
“On Christmas morning, Santa Claus brings one small gift—pajamas or clothes—that is all—very small,” she said. “We don’t open our presents until ‘El Dia de
los Reyes‘ on January 6.”
I was truly learning about Spanish culture. I had no idea.
In France, we celebrate “Three Kings’ Day” on January 6 with the famous “Galette des Rois” (“King’s Cake”). However, we don’t give presents on January 6.
This was intriguing.
“On ‘Three Kings’ Day,’ the children get a lot of presents!” she explained to me. “It’s like your Christmas.”
Why January 6?
It’s biblical.
For the Spanish, Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) is the “Good Night” when Mary gave birth to Jesus. However, it’s not the day for giving presents. January 6 is the day of gifts.
In the Book of Matthew in the Bible, a group of traveling kings, Magi or wise men, followed a star to find Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. The
The Biblen they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-12
“Just as the magi delivered gifts to Baby Jesus following his birth, the three kings do the same for the children of Spain 12 days after Christmas.”
Tripsavvy
Letters, Parades, Shoes, and Presents
On the days leading up to January 5, children in Spain write letters to the Three Kings, asking for special gifts on their “wish list.”
That night, they leave their shoes by the door in hopes that the Kings will fill them with special treasures when they pass by on their camels during the night. They will only get nice presents in their shoes if they have behaved well. If not, they will get a piece of coal.
January 5 is also a day of parades across the country.
“The parades represent the journey made by the travelers on camels to Bethlehem. The Three Kings throw candy into the crowd, which is full of eager parade-goers holding upside-down umbrellas to try and catch as many sweets as possible.”
Tripsavvy
“Three Kings’ Day”—Special Spanish Foods
I continued asking my Spanish neighbor questions about what they eat for Christmas dinner.
Menu items include cochinillo (little pigs) and cordero (lamb). However, on the very important “El Dia de los Reyes,” they enjoy the famous “Roscòn de Reyes” (“King’s Cake”).
It is very different from the French “Galette des Rois.” Rather than a flaky puffed pastry shell filled with almond paste, the Spanish “King’s Cake” is a light and fluffy brioche filled with cream between its layers. It’s topped with grilled almonds, glazed fruit, or chocolate chips that represent the colorful jewels on a king’s crown.
These special cakes can be found on every billboard, store sign, and advertisement, as well as in every bakery and grocery store. They are everywhere!
However, like the French “Galette des Rois,” the Spanish “King’s Cake” also has a toy charm hidden inside—usually a figurine of Baby Jesus or a tiny king. Whoever finds the figurine in their piece of cake will have good luck for the year!
“Three Kings’ Day”—Only in Spain?
Spain isn’t the only country to celebrate “Three Kings’ Day.” Most Spanish-speaking countries in the West also celebrate.
“In Mexico, for example, a mile-long “Rosca de Reyes” cake is made to celebrate the holiday. More than 200,000 people give it a try in Zocalo Square in Mexico City.”
Tripsavvy
In addition, France, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Greece, and Ireland celebrate “Three Kings’ Day”—to name a few.
Spain is now our “home,” and like they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do!” So, I guess we better get busy—writing letters to the Three Kings, catching candy with our umbrellas at the parade, putting our shoes by the door . . . oh, and buying MORE presents for our kids!
Happy Three Kings’ Day!
—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER
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Have you ever heard of “Three Kings’ Day”? Do you celebrate this holiday in your country? If so, how do you celebrate?
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