Dear readers, this week ‘H’ is for *H*oliday here in Spain – Los Reyes
Magos ...
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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.
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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!).
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On January 6, the children open their gifts and enjoy the
traditional Roscón
de Reyes (below).
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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:
I have never celebrated three kings before. I need to remember to next year.
It sounds like a lovely tradition to me! Anything involving cake has my vote...
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)
I understand in some countries this is way bigger than Christmas. How fun!
It is so good getting to see how the other parts of world honor special days. Thanks for sharing,
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
I think it;s a fantastic custom!
How lovely!
What a neat custom. I love the whole wise men part of the nativity story.
=)
Hi Lola! Nice to see you in Alphabe Thursday. This is such a wonderful post. Happy New Year!
All the best,
Scudds
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.
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
Great photos!
Happy Ruby Tuesday to you!
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?
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!:-)
That would be a great tradition to see!
Wonderful holiday!
Catching up with Ruby Tuesday entries.
If you get a chance, come and see my RUBIES
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
I've never heard of this but it sounds wonderful!
What a festive happy time!
Thanks for sharing this with us!
A+++
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