In Latin America, Día de Los Reyes, also known as Epiphany, is celebrated on January 6 (12 days after Christmas) It is a day celebrating the Magi’s visit to see baby Jesus. This is the traditional day for Mexican children to receive gifts. Some families have also imported the custom of Santa Claus and their children may receive gifts from both the kings and Santa.
On the 6th, many families and friends get together for a party. They will practice the common tradition of eating a “Rosca de Reyes” – Crown of Kings. A Rosca is an oval piece of sweet bread with no center, resembling a crown. Colorful candied fruit is placed on top like jewels. Inside the bread, there are several little plastic dolls placed inside. The person(s) who takes the piece of bread with the doll (which represents baby Jesus) must host the next party with tamales on February 2, Dia de la Candelaria - Day of the Candles, the day Jesus was presented in the Temple (40 days after his birth).
At my language school, they had a large Rosca and made sure everyone took a big piece. I was hesitant as I don’t know how to make tamales. The nice ladies in the office assured me that they would bring the tamales to my house if needed, so I took a piece. It was delicious! There weren’t any plastic toys inside.
This is the final day of the Christmas holiday, marking the end of vacation from work and school in México.
We hope you enjoyed our 13-part Christmas Series. Maybe next year, you can come and enjoy it with us. 
