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Three Kings’ Day, otherwise known as El Día de Los Reyes Magos, is this Sunday, Jan. 6. Honoring the Three Kings who gave gifts to the baby Jesus, this holiday marks the last day of Christmas and a close to the festivities.
Find all you need to know about the Christian holiday, traditions, and ways to celebrate.
History
Also known as Epiphany or Theophany, this holiday celebrates the biblical adoration of the baby Jesus by the Three Kings, also referred to as the Three Wise Men or Magi. According to the Gospel of Matthew, one king offered gold, and another offered frankincense to the baby Jesus, symbolizing Jesus’ royal standing and divine nature, respectively. The third king offered myrrh, which was often used to embalm corpses, as a symbol of Jesus’ mortality.
Traditions
Gifts: Gift-giving is a special part of Three Kings’ Day and a way to celebrate the gifts given to the baby Jesus in the Bible. Children place their old shoes out before going to bed the night of Jan. 5, and in the morning, the shoes are filled with toys and gifts from the Three Kings.
A large, delicious meal: No holiday is complete without a huge meal, prepared for family and friends. Three Kings’ Day is no exception. Good dishes to make include a marinated pork roast, tamales, and Abuelita brand hot chocolate.
Celebration: Celebrations of Three Kings’ Day vary across the globe. Some communities host parades, while Disneyland puts on a three-day celebration. In Sacramento, there are a few Three Kings’ Day celebrations, with larger celebrations happening across California.
Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread): Rosca de Reyes is a traditional holiday bread, made especially for Three Kings’ Day. The bread is typically baked in the round as a symbol of a king’s crown. Baked within the folds of bread is a clay or porcelain baby Jesus figurine. Whoever finds the toy must then host a party for everyone on Día de la Candelaria, or the Day of the Candles, Feb. 2. Check out this recipe to make this delicious sweet bread on your own.
Where to buy Rosca de Reyes in Sacramento
La Esperanza Bakery: 5044 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, Ca. 95820
La Superior Mercados: Multiple locations
Las Americas Carniceria y Panaderia:10319 Folsom Blvd, Rancho Cordova, Ca. 95670
Events in and around Sacramento
Día de Los Tres Reyes Magos
This will be the Bethany Presbyterian's seventh annual observance of the visit by the three wise men to the baby Jesus. Here you'll experience the traditional Rosca de Reyes cake and the Tree Kings will have small gifts for children of all ages.
Three Kings' Day event, hosted by The Sacramento R3 Academy Fatherhood program
The R3 Academy teaches fathers skills for strengthening the three Rs in their lives: relationship with his kids, with partner/co-parent, and at work. Fathers will enjoy a special time with their kids experiencing the rich heritage of this day, including traditional food, a Rosca de Reyes, games, crafts and a toy giveaway sponsored by Toys for Tots through the U.S. Marines.
Time: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
When: Friday, Jan. 4
Where: La Familia’s Maple Neighborhood Center, 3301 37th Ave, Sacramento
Cost: Free
Three Kings' Day Party
Taste Fruitvale's cultural richness! Enjoy "Rosca de Reyes" - a special holiday cake, delicious Mexican hot chocolate, and arts & crafts for kids.
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m
When: Saturday, Jan. 5
Where: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland, Ca.
Cost: Free
Three Kings' Day Celebration at Los Altos History Museum
The Museum will join the tradition by serving traditional Rosca de Reyes, a wreath of sweet bread eaten only on this occasion and offering ongoing children’s activities.
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
When: Sunday, Jan. 6
Where: Los Altos History Museum, 51 S. San Antonio Rd., Los Altos, Ca.
Cost: Free
21st Annual El Día de Los Tres Reyes Magos
Enjoy lively traditional and contemporary song and dance performances, make time-honored Mexican arts and crafts such as papel picado, corn husk dolls, and crowns, become a quick study in tortilla-making and try a bite of this culinary staple, sample the traditional Three Kings pastry, Rosca de Reyes.
Time: Noon to 4 p.m .
When: Saturday, Jan. 12 and Sunday, Jan. 13
Where: Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose, Ca.
Cost: $15 Adults, $15 Children, $14 Seniors, Infants and members are free.
Three Kings' Day at Disney California Adventure Park
Though a pricey option for partaking in the festivities, Disneyland’s Three Kings’ Day promises to be packed with fun activities. Peruse finely crafted Magi figures bearing the gifts they brought to Bethlehem. Little ones can have fun coloring themed pictures or designing their own custom crown with sparkling “jewels.”
When: Jan. 3 - Jan. 8
Where: Paradise Gardens Park, Disney California Adventure Park, 1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim Ca.
Cost: Single day prices vary, two-day passes from $105 per day, three-day passes from $93.34, four-day passes from $76.25, five-day passes from $64.00. Children under three are free.
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