The question of the day is “¿Qué trajeron los reyes para ti? – What did the Kings bring for you?” as it is Día de Reyes – King’s Day. There was much chatter this morning at Zumba dance class as the women told each other about the gifts received. Some were even wearing their gifts of new workout gear – including a hot pink pair of fitness shoes.
Yesterday, I noticed several balloons floating high into the sky and wondered why. Was it a birthday party and one of the little ones accidentally let go of the balloons, or did they come undone as a mom opened the car door? As the day progressed, I saw more and more balloons in the air and every street corner had globos – balloons for sale. A friend told me that children write out their wish lists and messages on cards to the Kings or Magi, attach the lists to balloons, and let them float away, with hopes to find gifts in/near their shoes on the early morn of January 6th – El Día de Reyes.
Along with the gift-giving is another tradition of the rosca de reyes - crown of the kings. This morning, I watched in awe as every customer had at least one, if not two roscas at the check-out. For many, that was their only item of purchase.
The rosca is a sweet bread baked in a circle, usually topped with dried fruits. It also has a small plastic figure, representing baby Jesus, baked inside. I have read that this hidden Jesus represents Jesus and his parents fleeing from Bethlehem from King Herod’s decree to kill all baby boys who could have been the promised Messiah. Whoever finds the figure traditionally hosts a party on Día de la Candelaria -Day of the Candles on February 2 celebrating Jesus in the temple, accompanied by a meal with tamales.
Today, the parks are full of families spending time together with the children playing with their new toys.
These events mark Epiphany, as the Magi visited baby Jesus as a sign that He is the Savior for all people of every tribe, nation, language, and village!
