Every year on January 6th, in Mexico, as in many other Latin American Countries, We celebrate Día de Reyes, or Three Kings’ Day with a delicious and colorful tradition: eating Rosca de Reyes. This sweet, round bread, often adorned with candied fruits, is not just a treat but a symbol of a rich cultural heritage and celebration.
Photo by Jonathan Hidalgo
Many historians point out that the origin of the Rosca de Reyes can be traced back to the Romans. During the Saturnalia festival, dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture, a coin would be hidden inside a sweet, and whoever found it would become the king for a day.
For some people, the Rosca de Reyes symbolizes the search for the Baby Jesus by the Three Kings. This is why its round shape represents a crown, much like the ones worn by Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar. Originally in ancient traditions around the world, a round bread was shared as a way to close one cycle and begin another, but like all traditions, the meaning of the celebration has evolved over time
Photo by Jonathan Meyer
The Rosca oval shape is a bread lightly sweetened and flavored with hints of orange and anise. It is decorated with dried fruits and crystallized sweets to represent the jewels embedded in the crowns of the Three Kings. With Rosca de Reyes, not everything is about the flavor and decorations; it also has a fun twist because there are usually hidden miniature plastic babies representing the infant Jesus.
Source Wikipedia Commons
The tradition is simple but fun: whoever finds a figurine in their slice is expected to host a party with tamales and hot chocolate or atole on Día de la Candelaria on February 2nd marking the final celebration of the Christmas season, a time to come together, exchange wishes, and remember the spirit of giving.
Photo by Gonzalo Guzmán García
The Rosca de Reyes tradition is not just about food, it’s a reminder of the beauty of Mexican culture and the importance of family and community in celebrating shared traditions. Whether in Mexico or celebrating from afar, sharing a slice of Rosca de Reyes is a delightful way to embrace the holiday season.
-Abbey
