As much as it is a religious affair focused on the Three Kings in the Christian tradition, it is very much a civic affair, shaped, as it has been throughout history, by the goals of particular governments. The cabalgata, called a cavalcade or parade, highlights Noche de Reyes in Madrid and many other cities. Some Spanish families also celebrate Santa, but the most important ones are Los Reyes Magos. On the night before Three Kings Day, January 6, the wise men deliver gifts to Spanish children. The Three Wise Men-or Los Reyes Magos- take the limelight during the Christmas season. Just like with Santa Claus, children will receive presents if they have behaved well through out the year.As the holiday season approaches in Spain, Santa Claus isn’t the center of attention. They place the figurines of the kings further away from the display and move them closer to the manger as they get closer to the day. The next morning the children wake up to presents under the tree.įor Cubans, the celebration of Three Kings Day begins when families decorate their Christmas tree and put out their nativity scenes. In Argentina, children make sure to place a pair of shoes, grass and a bowl of water for the camels and bread under their Christmas tree. Several families give out money instead of presents. The children are asked to write a wish list, which is then placed on top of the box of grass. In Puerto Rico, on “La Víspera de Reyes” (the Eve of Three Kings Day) Puerto Rican children participate in cutting grass that will then be placed in a show box and go under their bed. This person has the responsibility of hosting a dinner and providing tamales and atole to the guests too. Whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine is blessed and must take the figurine to the nearest church on February 2 (Candlemas Day, Día de la Candelaria). Mexico also celebrates “Dia de Reyes” with a family gathering around the “Rosca de Reyes”, which includes a figurine of infant Jesus baked inside. In the morning, families enjoy a bejeweled round cake called the “Rosca de Reyes,” or Kings’ Cake, to represent the jewels on their crowns. In Spain it is the Three Kings who bring presents and not Santa Claus. The kings usually show up riding horses or on decorated floats and throw a variety of goods to the children in the audience. People gather to watch a variety of Christmas-themed floats, performers dressed as angels and animals, lead the way for the three kings. In Spain, Spaniards celebrate the religious day with a parade called the “Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos,” which takes place on the eve of the Epiphany. Let’s learn how some countries celebrate it: This is the day in which the The Three wise men from the East traveled to see baby Jesus and present them with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. You may have more of a clue as to what this holiday means when I tell you that it is also known as Epiphany in th US. Some Hispanic cultures celebrate what is known as Dia de Reyes or The Three wise men day. Hispanic Traditions: The Three wise men day.Īround this time of year, it is great to celebrate the traditions that we hold dear to our hearts but it can also be fun to learn a little about how other countries celebrate the holidays.
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