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Day of the Holy Kings |
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In Cozumel and throughout Mexico, celebrations of the birth of Christ continue through the twelve (12) days following Christmas. This celebratory period, commonly called Epiphany in many parts of the world, culminates on January 6th each year. In Mexico, January 6th is called Día de los Santos Reyes (Day of the Holy Kings) or commonly referred to as (Three Kings' Day) and a feast is held each year in remembrance of the biblical story of the three (3) kings' visit to baby Jesus. The three (3) kings, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar visited the baby Jesus and presented him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. While the Epiphany story is celebrated in churches across Mexico, it is solely a religious observance, not a federal holiday.
In the eyes of Mexico's children, this Christian observance is far more important than Christmas Day on December 25th. Having already received presents from baby Jesus on Christmas, the children will now receive additional gifts from the three (3) kings (reyos magos). On the eve of Three Kings Day, little ones leave their shoes out in the hopes that they will awake to find them filled with toys and other treasures, just as the "magi" came bearing gifts for the newborn infant Jesus so long ago.
Here in Mexico, you will find many major cities that celebrate Three Kings' Day. The streets are packed with various stalls filled with food and gifts. There are also many outdoor parties held in celebration of Three King's Day. Children and adults alike also partake of a traditional treat called Rosca de Reyes or Kings' bread that is shaped to suggest a crown-shaped wreath and has glazed or crystalized fruit to suggest a real "jewels" on the crown. Tiny plastic dolls representing baby Jesus are hidden in the dough before baking and the person who finds the figurine of the baby Jesus in their portion of the Kings' bread symbolically "becomes" Jesus' godparent. In Mexico, custom dictates that whoever gets a piece of bread containing the Jesus doll is obligated to host another party for everyone on Candlemas or Candelaria (February 2) which commemorates the presentation of Jesus, the light of the world, in the temple of Jerusalem. (wohoo another party!)
We hope you are able to be on Isla Cozumel for this wonderful celebration! The foods, traditions, gift giving and many smiling children on the streets of Cozumel make this a beautiful time of the year and help continue the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Need to schedule your winter getaway vacation? Contact Sherri immediately or go to our website Read More About Sherri's IslaMar Villas! to book your stay (but plan EARLY as this time of the year books up months in advance!
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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