The Mexican tradition of The Reyes Magos (the Three Kings Day)

Join us in celebrating the Día de Reyes (Three Wise Men Day) at Xcaret.

My favorite Latin tradition for children: Epiphany or the Día de los Reyes Magos

Among the many festivities that mark the beginning of the New Year in Mexico, one fills both children and adults with excitement and joy: the Three Wise Men. This celebration is based on the biblical story of the Wise Men from the East who followed a star to worship the newly born Jesus, and it takes place on January 6th.

Although the Bible does not specify the exact number of wise men or their names, Christian tradition popularized the idea of the Three Wise Men with the names Melchior, Caspar (Gaspar), and Balthazar. It is also associated with the gifts each presented: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Furthermore, they have ethnic and age-related characteristics to symbolize global multiculturalism.

On January 6th, the celebration is observed in Mexico and other countries worldwide, including France, Poland, Latin America, and the United States, especially Puerto Rico. This celebration marks the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas.

In Mexico, we celebrate it uniquely, as it is the day when everyone can enjoy the famous "Rosca de Reyes" (Three Kings' Cake), which also holds symbolism within the Catholic religion.

The oval shape of the Rosca de Reyes represents the infinite love for God, the dried fruits symbolize the jewels embedded in the crowns of each Wise Man, and the figurine represents the baby Jesus. The entire cake represents the journey of the Three Wise Men in search of the newborn Jesus.

Celebrations abound in Mexico, and the Day of the Three Wise Men connects with another one called Candlemas Day, celebrated on February 2nd with tamales. This day marks, within the Catholic Religion, the purification of the Virgin Mary after the birth of the child Jesus, who was taken to the church 40 days after delivery, that is, on February 2nd. Remember that if you find the figurine when you cut the Rosca, you must invite everyone to tamales on Candlemas Day.

How is the celebration of Three Kings' Day at Xcaret?

At Xcaret, we celebrate this tradition from December 25th to January 6th with a parade that starts from the plus area, where the Papantla Flyers show takes place.

During these days leading up to Christmas, we invite all our visitors to join us in a parade featuring Christmas carols, piñatas for children, and live music to celebrate the Three Kings. As tradition dictates, on January 5th and 6th, we also share the Rosca de Reyes with all our guests.

So, if you visit us during the Christmas season at Xcaret, you can enjoy posadas, unique decorations, Christmas carols, and Three Kings' Day celebrations.