Christmas is over, decorations are put away, stores have marked down their leftover holiday decorations but for some there still is Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day also known as Epiphany).
Día De Los Reyes may seem to fall outside of the December holiday celebration; however, it’s part of the religious symbolism of Christmas which is celebrated in Mexico, Puerto Rico as well as in other Latin American countries. Today many places in the United States, Día de Reyes has become a popular celebration and children especially look forward to it every January 6.
Día de los Reyes is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of los Reyes Magos (the Three Wise Men) - Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar - the Biblical Wise Men who followed the Star of Bethlehem bearing gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh for baby Jesus. For children in Latin America it’s more important than Christmas, children leave grass near their bed the night before (January 5th) for the camels and in exchange the Three Wise Men (also known as the Three Kings) replace the grass with gifts for them.
January 6 is filled with children's laughter and maybe the adults too opening their gifts, eating traditional meals; attending parades, parties, special events and church services.
Join Macy’s this Saturday, January 5 at Westfield Citrus Park in Tampa, Fla. for a Three Kings Celebration starting at 2 p.m.
Do you celebrate Día de los Reyes? How do you celebrate?
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