Excitement flows throughout the room as children rush down the stairs for Dia de los Reyes, or,Three Kings Day. Families wake up to see what the three kings and the camels have left as presents from their journey all around Latin America.
This holiday dates back to the fourth century and is celebrated on Jan. 6. The celebration is most popularly celebrated in Spain and Latin American countries, marking the date in which the three wise men visited baby Jesus to give him gifts. According to National Today, the story that is widely told is that three wise men traveled a long distance to pay homage to the birth of Christ by giving him gold, frankincense and myrrh.
“It commemorates the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus, marking the end of the Christmas season,” English Speakers of Other Languages teacher Cristy Ryman said. “It’s a time to reflect on faith, generosity, and family. In Colombia, it brings people together, and it’s a reminder of the importance of giving and celebrating with loved ones.
For families, the tradition is to leave fresh grass under their beds or Christmas tree for the camels and the journey ahead of them. In return, the kids receive presents.
“On this day, many families in Colombia celebrate with festive meals, music and time spent with loved ones,” Ryman said. “There are often parades and community events, and many people attend church to honor the religious significance of the day. After January 6, it’s also the time when people take down their Christmas decorations. In Colombia, some people consider it bad luck to keep Christmas decorations up after Three Kings Day.”
Similar to Christmas, families host a dinner to celebrate the holiday. The dishes that are eaten vary depending on the country. For example, in Puerto Rico, roasted pork shoulder called Pernil is made. This pork can be eaten with “Arroz con Gandules,” which is translated to rice with congo beans.
“My favorite dish would definitely be the pork they serve for my family,” sophomore Isabella Maia said. “It’s so important to bring these traditional foods to celebrate because it can bring people together and make new memories.”
Beyond the food, the traditions of Dia de los Reyes emphasize the spirit of giving to the community. Many families participate in parades or reenact the three kings’ journey to Bethlehem. According to Spanish teacher Elizabeth Rosario Machado, the parades and the celebration are what make the holiday more unique than others.
“It definitely brings families together,” Rosario said. “So even if the families are not too religious, the traditions are still there and very much alive all over Latin America.”
