January 9, 2013

LOS REYES MAGOS ...


Dear readers, this week ‘H’ is for *H*oliday here in Spain – Los Reyes Magos ...
Every year the Three Kings Parade is held on the eve of January 5 usually consisting of three wise men on horses or camels dispensing sweets amongst the crowds (above). It’s known as Twelfth Night, Epifania Del Señor or Reyes Magos (Three Kings/Wise Men), recounting of course the story of Melchior, Casper and Balthazar’s gifts for Jesus.

In celebration of this event, the Spanish traditionally give and receive gifts just like Santa on Christmas Eve. The Three Kings deliver gifts to all the children throughout Spain on the night of the 5th and some children leave food and drink for them (and their camels!).
On January 6, the children open their gifts and enjoy the traditional Roscón de Reyes (below).
Traditionally, the Roscón de Reyes ("Epiphany crown"), a sweet bread baked in the form of a crown, has always contained small toys or coins. A porcelain figure of a baby wrapped in foil and a dry bean (don’t ask!) are hidden in the dough together with other surprises. Apparently whoever finds the baby will have good luck and be the Rey of the party, but the one with the bean has to pay for the cake!

This national *h*oliday is one of the most important days of the year in Spain.

ANY SIMILAR CUSTOMS WHERE YOU LIVE?
Do check out other *H* posts - Alphabe-Thursday  @ Jenny Matlock, Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday! And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. .
XOXO LOLA:)

19 comments:

Unknown said...

I have never celebrated three kings before. I need to remember to next year.

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

It sounds like a lovely tradition to me! Anything involving cake has my vote...

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful post for H ~ Great photos and I know New Orleans has the same tradition of a King Cake ~

(A Creative Harbor) aka ArtMuseDog and Carol)

Naperville Now said...

I understand in some countries this is way bigger than Christmas. How fun!

LV said...

It is so good getting to see how the other parts of world honor special days. Thanks for sharing,

Judie said...

Our oldest granddaughter is working on her Master's degree in Madrid. I am interested in anything that you can tell me about the customs! We already know about the lottery.

xoxo

EG CameraGirl said...

I think it;s a fantastic custom!

21 Wits said...

How lovely!

Susan Anderson said...

What a neat custom. I love the whole wise men part of the nativity story.

=)

Unknown said...

Hi Lola! Nice to see you in Alphabe Thursday. This is such a wonderful post. Happy New Year!

All the best,
Scudds

Pondside said...

My mum made a special Epiphany Bread each year on the 6th. I guess I'll have to start making it next year as everyone missed it this year. It is flavoured with anise.

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Lola and Nora,

Always good to hear how others celebrate holidays and traditions in other Countries. Thanks for sharing and I enjoyed seeing your photos.

happy weekend
hugs
Carolyn

HansHB said...

Great photos!
Happy Ruby Tuesday to you!

Ralph said...

In the US, Christmas winds down quite a bit, so the twelfth night is a rarity. In Spain, the holiday carries on much longer, and to see the three kings in person is a treat indeed. Did you find the bean?

Jackie said...

No I have never even heard of this before and it's fabulous! We may do something just for fun here with the family!

You got some lovely photos and thanks for such a wonderful share!

Jackie
http://expressionsneeded.blogspot.com/

Happy RT!:-)

Jackie McGuinness said...

That would be a great tradition to see!

Chubskulit Rose said...

Wonderful holiday!

Catching up with Ruby Tuesday entries.

If you get a chance, come and see my RUBIES

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

I found your blog through Carolyn and loved reading this post! I only just found information about the Three Kings and the celebration involving the cake (galette des rois). I collect feves (the porcelain kind) and bake the cake at least once each year between Epiphany and Mardi Gras.

You have a lovely blog.

Bises,
Genie

Jenny said...

I've never heard of this but it sounds wonderful!

What a festive happy time!

Thanks for sharing this with us!

A+++