Overview
- Observed on Jan. 6, the feast commemorates the Magi—Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar—whose gifts signify Jesus’ royal status, divinity and mortality.
- Families in Spanish-speaking communities leave shoes out for Los Reyes Magos, with children in places like Puerto Rico setting out grass or hay for the camels in exchange for gifts.
- The Rosca de Reyes, a crown-shaped sweet bread with candied fruits, hides a baby Jesus figurine that assigns the finder to host a Candlemas gathering on Feb. 2.
- In Southern California’s Inland Empire, Alebrijes Bakery reports over 700 roscas sold since holiday preorders began and more than 4,000 tamales made for the season.
- Media and cultural guides accompany today’s observances, including a Billboard–SoundCloud playlist featuring artists such as Carla Morrison, Thalía and Juanes.