Three Kings Day - Spain
Three Kings Day, or Dia de los Reyes in Spanish, falls on January 6 every year. It's the day that most children in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries receive their Christmas presents. Children from other parts of the world eagerly await Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Here in Spain, though, the jolly bearded man takes a backseat to the three kings of biblical lore. On the eve of January 5, children leave their shoes by the door with hopes that the three kings will leave gifts inside during their overnight visit. Another essential part of Three Kings Day in Spain is the roscon de reyes, or kings' cake. The ring-shaped pastry is decorated to look like a crown that a king would wear. It is often topped with glazed fruits, representing the colorful jewels on a crown. Buried inside it is a toy, often a figurine of baby Jesus or a tiny king. The person who finds it in their piece is said to have good luck for the year. The Story: In the Christian Bible in t...