The Three Wise Men like no where else!

Post 123. Written by MikeH 

Reyes Magos

Baby Jesus in a cake, letters in shoes or in helium balloons, attending parades, drinking “atole” and eating “tamale”… This is just an appetizer on what you can discover in my post about how “Los Reyes Magos” is celebrated in Mexico. I will begin my post with a brief description of the origins of this festivity then explore its main elements from my perspective as a child growing in Mexico. 

“Los Reyes Magos de Oriente", "Los Tres Reyes Magos" or simply "Los Reyes Magos (Three Wise Men) is celebrated on January 6th in most Spanish-speaking countries. According to Mexican tradition, Los Santos Reyes bring presents to children. In modern Mexico this festivity still remains an important date as it corresponds to the last celebration of the Christmas period although in reality the very last event is “La Candelaria” (Candlemas Day), which takes place on February 2nd. Unlike Spain, where January 6th is a national bank holiday, in Mexico only schools and some public organisations close their doors, so children can spend this day with families enjoying their presents. 

Origins of the tradition

Traditionally, it is believed that each one of the Magi represent a different continent, Europe (Melchior), Asia (Caspar) and Africa (Balthasar). In other cultures and countries the Magi can represent the three ages of adult men or even three virtues. A common aspect across all regions and countries is the belief they came from the Orient to visit the houses of all the children to bring them presents. 

The celebration and its elements

Desfile de Reyes or Cabalgata de Reyes (The Cavalcade of Magi): on the evening of January 5th some cities organise the famous “Desfiles de Reyes” in which the Magi and their servants take part in a parade and throw candies to the children and parents in attendance. In Mexico, one of the most famous parades takes place in Irapuato, Guanajuato, although the events in Mexico City and Puebla, for example, are also colourful and joyful. In Spain this tradition, referred as “Cabalgata de Reyes”, is much more popular as it is spread across most of cities and towns. The cavalcade of Alcoy is the oldest in the world and is a major source of international tourism. Barcelona organizes as well a magnificent parade which starts with the arrival of the Magi at the port. 

Letters for the Magi: in Mexico, there is a long tradition for having children receive presents by the three "Reyes Magos" on the night of January 5th (Epiphany Eve) or on January 6th in the morning. Children write a letter to the Magos asking for the toys they would like to receive. The night of January 5th, after having attended the Cavalcade, the letters are placed directly in shoes along with some food and drink to feed the camels. 

In some other areas or countries, the letters are placed in the Christmas tree and in occasions in the Nacimiento (the Crib). When children wake up, the letter and the food have been replaced by all the presents they asked for. And of course, it is said that the children who have misbehaved during the last year, receive coal rather than presents, although this is not very frequent! 

Letters placed in helium balloons 

A lovely tradition in some Mexican schools is to ask the children to write their letters and place them in helium balloons to be released into the sky, usually on February 5th in the morning or even few days before. In this way the children are sure the Magi receive their letters. This event very often takes place in the playground or even in public parks. 

Rosca de Reyes Cake 

Rosca de Reyes or Roscón de Reyes (King Cake): this is one of the main elements of this celebration. It is a sort of cake which can be found across countries and regions as it is associated to Epiphany. In France and Quebec, it is called “Galette des Rois”, whereas in Latin America it is called Rosca de Reyes or Roscón de Reyes in Spain. This cake is traditionally eaten on January 6th. The cake has an oval shape to symbolize a crown. For decoration, people sometimes use dried and candied fruits such as figs, quince or cherries. The fruit symbolizes the many jewels that a crown would have. The tradition of placing a bean, candy or figurine of the baby Jesus inside the cake is followed. Whoever finds it must take it to the nearest church on February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day), which celebrates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. According to the Jewish tradition, an infant is to be presented to God in the Temple forty days after his birth. The use of candles on Candlemas represents the light of Christ presented to the world. In Mexico people who find the baby Jesus figurine in their piece of cake usually agree to host a party on Candlemas, February 2nd and to provide the guests with tamales and atole (typical Mexican drink). 

As you can see there are no universal practices to celebrate Los Reyes Magos but the principle remains the same. It is worth mentioning that in Mexico, this tradition is being gradually replaced by the American tradition of Saint Claus. Very often children participate in exchanging gifts with their families and receive presents in December timeframe. Children’s preferences have drastically changed as well as typical Mexican or regular toys are more often replaced by very expensive technology gadgets. As I write this post, I wonder, what is happening to the innocence and illusion from the old times? Personally, I believe that customs and modernity can both coexist. As Mexican citizens, we should all do our best to ensure our beautiful traditions are well preserved. It is up to each one of us to make it happen. 

Depiction of the Los Reyes Magos 

Images supplied by author.