At a Glance
- Three Kings Day falls on Jan. 6, the 12th day of Christmas.
- It commemorates the Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
- Celebrations span Spain, Latin America, France, Poland, and parts of the U.S.
- Why it matters: The holiday blends religious meaning with festive customs like Rosca de Reyes and parades, shaping cultural identity across continents.
Three Kings Day, also known as Día de Los Reyes, is a holiday that marks the arrival of the Magi with gifts for baby Jesus. Celebrated on January 6 by many Christian traditions, it is a focal point of food, gifts, and parades in Spanish-speaking countries and beyond.
What Is Three Kings Day?
Three Kings Day, or the Feast of Epiphany, commemorates the wise men who brought presents to Jesus. The gifts-gold, frankincense, and myrrh-symbolize Christ’s royalty, divinity, and mortality. The story is rooted in Matthew 1:24, where the star leads the Magi to Bethlehem.
- Gold represents wealth and power, Christ’s royal status.
- Frankincense symbolizes his divinity and identity as the Son of God.
- Myrrh refers to Jesus’ mortality.
When and How It Is Celebrated
Roman Catholics observe the holiday on Jan. 6, while Orthodox Christians celebrate on Jan. 19. The day is the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas and marks the Magi’s arrival 12 days after Jesus’ birth.
| Tradition | Date |
|---|---|
| Roman Catholic Epiphany | Jan. 6 |
| Orthodox Epiphany | Jan. 19 |
The holiday is celebrated with gift-giving, feasts, and special breads that hide a baby Jesus doll.
Traditions and Symbols
Traditions include Rosca de Reyes, a fruit-laden crown-shaped bread with candied jewels, and King Cake, a ring-shaped cake with colored sprinkles that hides a baby Jesus doll. Children leave shoes for the wise men to fill with treats and water for the camels, while city parades from New York to Madrid celebrate the day. Whoever finds the hidden doll is believed to receive good luck but must host the next celebration.
News Of Philadelphia reporter Michael A. Turner explains how the Rosca de Reyes made its way into homes worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Three Kings Day falls on Jan. 6 for most Christians, Jan. 19 for Orthodox.
- The holiday honors the Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
- Traditions include Rosca de Reyes, King Cake, hidden dolls, and city parades.
The holiday continues to unite families and communities in celebration of faith, generosity, and cultural heritage.
