The History and Significance of Guatemalan Jade, How to Celebrate Three Kings Day in Spanish at Home. 3. Always make sure to avoid choking hazards! In Latin America, Christmas gifts don't come on December 25th but on January 6th from the Three Kings (or "3 Wise Men"). Their gifts were symbolic gestures that represented different virtues. There are many children’s movies that tell this story, so you can grab some popcorn or Rosca de Reyes and watch the movie together. However, since Jesus’ birth is celebrated on December 25th, the cradle has to be empty. The United States (US) Virgin Islands observe the day as a public holiday. It is a date celebrated throughout Latin America, Spain, and in Hispanic communities of the United States. Read on to learn more ab… After the Three Kings’ … That is very much the case with the Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) a Spanish Christmas tradition that is marked by huge, spectacular parades in every city, town or village of the country, no matter how big or small, where sweets and presents are given to all! The Three kings day, in spanish Día de los Reyes Magos, is one of the most celebrated festivals in Barcelona, just as in the rest of Spain.In spite of the fact that the ‘Reyes Magos’ (The Three Wise Men) are said to bring presents for the whole family, it’s the children who are at the centre of attention on this day, so they look forward to it more than anyone! Translate Three Kings' Day. In some cultures, Three Kings' Day is known as Epiphany. Almost every sizable town in Spain will have an annual Epiphany parade. This is fun to watch if you’re walking about, but not fun if you’re in your car and you need to get to your morning meeting on time. I’ll be offering but one of the many versions of the story. Three Kings’ Day actually kicks off the Carnival season. When three wise kings saw a bright star in the sky, they knew that the messiah had been born. If you continue browsing, we consider that you accept their use. January 6th is Three Kings Day. Nevertheless, the holiday season also brings the opportunity to taste new experiences that can be all the more striking, just because they are so different. 3rd January, 2020. These feature big, heavy structures depicting different religious figures that are slowly carried through the streets by dozens of people. It celebrates the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus and also remembers his baptism, according to the Christian Bible’s events. And just for your information, children in the North part of México receive their gifts on Christmas Day (Dec 25th). In Mexico, Día de Los Reyes, also known as Three Kings Day, is celebrated on January 6, 2021, to honor the Three Wise Men (Los Tres Reyes Magos). They decided to follow its light and bring gifts to the newborn baby. On January 6th, Three Kings Day, families place the three wise men on the Nativity scene to celebrate their arrival, and the scene is removed on February 2nd to commemorate the day baby Jesus was presented in the temple of Jerusalem. In Hispanic culture the 1st day of Christmas (Christmas Day) is a more relaxed day of celebrating Jesus’ birth and not so much a time for adorning one another with the giving of gifts. Festivities officially start the evening before Epiphany, on the night of January 5, when the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings' Parade) takes place in every town and city, with hundreds upon hundreds of people crowding the main roads of the urban settlements in order to get a glimpse of the reenactment of the arrival of the Three Kings into town. Enjoy our video of the Three Kings Day parade in Denia, Spain. A pastry shop seller prepares orders of 'Roscones de Reyes' at the Antigua Pasteleria del Pozo ahead of the Three Kings' Day on January 3, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. Some even got gifts on both days! This celebration itself stems from the New Testament where it is stated that the kings, Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthasar, traveled by night all the way from the farthest confines of the Earth to bring gifts to Jesus, whom they recognized as the Son of God. The 12th day of Christmas, el día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day) is the most exciting day of the year for kids living in Hispanic countries such as Spain, Mexico and Latin America. In either case, Three Kings Day remains a very important celebration throughout Spain. And on the eve of Epiphany, kids put straw in their shoes and leave them by the front door or out on a balcony so that the horses or camels of the Three Kings have something to eat. Some Epiphany parades will also have giant camel-shaped floats or even live camels. It wasn’t until about three centuries after Christ’s death that they were considered kings, although it was always known that they were well-off because of the value of the gifts they brought. Celebrating Three Kings Day in Spain is a great way to experience its history, its delightful customs and witness how Spain celebrates it today in light of cultural adaptations of Santa Claus. Our handy Language Resources section is here to help! On January 5, parades take place throughout the country to celebrate the arrival of the kings. The changes coincide with a series of traditions that, in Guatemala, start with La Quema del Diablo on December 7th. Fun Fact: The word for priest and shepherd in Spanish is the same: el pastor. We use cookies to provide you with the best experience on our website. Children, families, and entire cities throughout the country celebrate this major Spanish Christmas tradition. Christmas might be a season traditionally spent at home, with your family, in the peace and quiet of your home. Known in the Anglophone world as the Epiphany, the arrival of the Three Kings is defined in Spain by the enormous expectation and the tremendous annual celebrations that revolve around the event. LEARN MORE >. This would be a strange thing to call them since Christianity often denounces magic (with the exception of card tricks and hat bunnies)—but the real meaning of the word in this context is wise rather than sorcerous. My goal is to practice all these disciplines in unison and make something great with my time. Arrived from three different directions, the kings followed the light provided by the star of Bethlehem, which reportedly lingered over the manger where the Virgin Mary gave birth for many days. In Mexico, Día de Los Reyes, also known as Three Kings Day, is celebrated on January 6, 2021, to honor the Three Wise Men (Los Tres Reyes Magos). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Once the end-of-the-year parties are over and the New Year begins, in Spain, the children are still waiting for the most important day of the holiday season. Previous Years. You can get more information in our Cookies Policy. Hispanic Tradition. Latin America seldom has to worry about cold weather, but these traditions are so powerful that they transcended that. The celebration starts on January 5th with the cavalcade procession of the Three Kings who arrive from far away eastern countries. In Spain, this is a very important festival called Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Mages. Top 10 Places to Visit in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Latin American Food: 15 Must-Try National Dishes of Latin America, Positive Adjectives in Spanish for Any Person or Occasion, Top 10 Science Fiction Spanish Books for Adults (with PDFs). Every year in some Latin American countries, bakeries sell a type of sweet bread called Rosca de Reyes (“King Cake”). Three Kings Day is not a holiday that’s loudly celebrated outside Spain. La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos is a religious parade that takes place on Three Kings Day in some countries. In other cultures these remain up until Candlemas on February 2. Melchor: Melchior or Melichior is the wise man that represents Europe. Then, at midnight on December 31st, baby Jesus is dressed in ornamental clothing. Read on for more information about Spain's Reyes Magos celebrations! The tradition says that the three kings (also known as the three … Three Kings Day is celebrated every year on January 6th. So, how come we have three kings named Melchoir, Gaspar, and Balthasar? The following day, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar will have left gifts next to the shoes the kids put the night before. Here’s how to plan your own! We make it easy to learn at your own pace. Both the Star of Bethlehem and the Three Kings are symbols of Epiphany in Spain, and you can see them in numerous parades held all over the country. The kings ride upon horses or elaborate floats and throw goodies down to the children lining the streets. What are your plans for this wonderful celebration? The Nativity scene is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. For the past three years, I have helped organize a Three Kings Day Party for Spanish classes at our high school. Three Kings Day is an important celebration for Orthodox Christians and Catholics. They are stories that teach us about life, growth, and love prevailing over all. January 6th is Three Kings Day in Mexico, known in Spanish as el Día de los Reyes Magos or El Día de Reyes. Frankincense, to pay homage to his divinity. When You Learn Spanish, You Gain 5 Important Brain Benefits, 3 Key Benefits to Being Bilingual in the Workforce, Food for Thought: 6 Spanish Foods to Learn About (and try! In Spain and some Latin American countries, Epiphany day is called El Día de Reyes i.e., the day when a group of Kings or Magi, as related in the second chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, arrived to worship and bring three gifts to the baby Jesus after following a star in the heavens. It is always celebrated on As well as regal, the Three Kings are depicted as wise men, whose very wisdom is proved by their acknowledgement of Christ's divine status. Known in the Anglophone world as the Epiphany, the arrival of the Three Wise Men is defined in Spain by the enormous expectation and the tremendous annual celebrations that revolve around the event. A native Spanish speaker from Guatemala, I'm a psychology student, creative developer, and aspiring polymath whose always learning new things and improving as a person. ; The holiday is widely celebrated in Spanish-speaking nations and is connected to Christmas. Honestly, buying tamales for my 20 cousins doesn’t sound like good luck! How long have they been celebrating Three Kings Day in Spain? That’s why in some countries, Three Kings Day translates to Día de Reyes Magos. Because in Spain, it is not the Baby Jesus, Santa Claus or St. Nicholas who brings gifts on Christmas Day, but rather the Three Kings, whose generosity is put to the test on January 6, the day of the Epiphany. Many translated example sentences containing "3 Kings Day" – Spanish-English dictionary and search engine for Spanish translations. Three Kings Day, or Dia De Los Reyes in Spanish, falls on January 6 every year and is the day that the children of Spain get presents for Christmastime. Tres Reyes Magos, Tres Santos Reyes or Los Reyes: The Three Kings, Three Wise Men, or The Magi. In 1885, the Spanish government called for a parade to mark the very special holiday. With historic accounts, there are different theories and interpretations on how things happened. This is Epiphany on the church calendar, the 12th day after Christmas (sometimes referred to as Twelfth Night), when Christians commemorate the arrival of the Magi or "Wise Men" who arrived bearing gifts for the Christ Child. Epiphany is celebrated with a wide array of customs around the world. 15 Spanish Words and Phrases to Understand Three Kings Day. With Enforex you can be part of this unique experience, because holidays in Spain need not only be spent basking in the sun, in the middle of a sweltering summer's day! All rights reserved. Barcelona Tickets. Festivities officially start the evening before Epiphany, on the night of The story of Three Kings Day begins with the foretelling of baby Jesus’ birth. Grab a children’s book to tell this story, or recite it by memory if you prefer. There is quite a debate raging across this country regarding whether Santa Claus is displacing the traditional Three Kings at Christmastime in Spain. In Christian communities in the U.S., this holiday is known as Epiphany. Arrived from three different directions, the kings followed the light provided by the star of Bethlehem, which reportedly lingered over the manger where the Virgin Mary gave birth for many days. Gold, to recognize his nobility. With festive lights livening up the streets, Nativity scenes set up in various locations, and holiday tunes setting the holiday atmosphere, Spaniards celebrate the arrival of the Kings with a joyful parade called the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos. Myrrh, as a recognition of his role as the redeemer. Their gifts were symbolic gestures that represented different virtues. On December 24th, at midnight, the figurine of baby Jesus is placed on the cradle to celebrate his birth. ), Bilingualism: How the US Compares to Other Countries. That evening, before an early night in bed, children leave out their shoes in a spot where the Kings are sure to see them. Traditionally, children receive gifts on this day, brought by the three kings, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar. Three Kings Day is celebrated 12 days after Christmas day on January 6, and represents the time when the Wise Men, also known as the Magi, came to visit Jesus. Dialect vs. They arrive by ship to the dock called "Moll de Las Fusta". For Latin America, Christmas Holidays does not end on December 25 th with the celebration of the birth of Baby Jesus and Santa Claus bringing gifts to children. Usually, local markets sell decorations for the Nativity scene. Three Kings Day –. But children, of course, are expecting this day the most. Watch The Video . Your email address will not be published. Also, the lucky winner has to buy tamales and fruit punch for the people who ate the bread with them on November 2nd. If you’re heading to Spain for the holidays, be sure to check out this winter packing list for Spain . Most Latin American families have a giant celebration for Christmas, and only some families hold a smaller gathering for Three Kings Day. Three Kings Day is a great time to showcase culture while having some fun with your students. The magical night comes to a close with another Spanish Christmas tradition: a typical breakfast of Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake decorated with fruits symbolizing the precious gems that adorned the royal trio's lavish clothing. Schedule classes on any day of the week – you can take them on your own, or share a class and save money! So no worries if you thought the party was over, there’s more just around the corner! To this end, our schools, open throughout the year, offer a special Winter Break program designed for you to enjoy all the special traditions of Spain's winter festivities. Differently from other Christmas traditions, in Spain the most important festival for children is the Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Magos (Festival of the Three Magic Kings) on January 6, also known as Epiphany.. Because we know that Learning Spanish is a lot more than just the language, we've made a section about the rich Spanish Culture! The bread comes in the form of a ring, like a big donut, where one of the sections contains a small, white figurine of baby Jesus. Their original names had more relation to the Spanish word magos, which means magicians. How to Celebrate Three Kings Day in Spanish at Home. The story of the Three Kings is one of the most memorable stories in the Bible. 10 Creepy Myths from Spanish Speaking Countries, 12 Contemporary Spanish Female Artists Who Will Empower You. Whoever gets the plastic figurine in their bread piece will have good luck for the rest of the year. January 6th is Three Kings Day. Three Kings or Three Wise Men are supposed to bring present s for the whole family. Sometimes it is referred to as the 12th Day of Christmas and in many Hispanic households it's given the same importance as December 25th. The Three Kings. Three Kings Day – January 6, 2021. 2. Three Kings Day and Parade in Barcelona 2021 (Wise Men) Updated Nov 25 2020. Typically, people will be strolling down the roads, trickling into the major avenues or squares of the cities with ladders on their hands, ready to climb on the second or third row of people, hoping to come out with a bagful of candies and one or the other gift. 1. They decided to follow its light and bring gifts to the newborn baby. Jump to Video. Business Spanish and Madrid Chamber of Commerce Exam Preparation. Spanish Events. On the evening of January 5th every year, Spanish towns and cities are given over to the colourful parades of the Dia de los Reyes, or the Kings’ Day – a celebration of the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth. This is the Epiphany of the church calendar, the 12th day after Christmas, when the Magi arrived bearing gifts for baby Jesus. Look for the figurine before you chow down on the bread. Now that you know everything you need to know about Three Kings Day, let’s look at some vocabulary words to learn so you can share what you learned about this holiday with Spanish speakers, too. The celebration also includes an oval-shaped cake known as Rosca de Reyesor Kings’ cake. The translation is Festival of the Three Magic Kings. There is a certain charm about breaking with the usual and doing the unexpected. Three Kings Day is a holiday much loved in Barcelona as well as in the rest of Spain. On the twelfth day of Christmas, January 6, we celebrate Three Kings Day! Traditionally, the island (and most of the Latin world) marked the eve of January 6, rather than December 25, as the day of exchanging gifts. Accent: Is It a Language, Dialect, or Accent? See authoritative translations of Three Kings' Day in Spanish with example sentences and audio pronunciations. It really is the thought that counts! The Three Kings’ Day, also known as the Feast Of The Epiphany, is a Christian festivity that takes place on January 6 and celebrates the birth of Jesus. Just like with Latin American legends and folklore, the stories often change from one region to the next. This treat is loved by many and disliked by some, but the fun of this tasty bun goes beyond eating it. It remains, however, a beloved tradition and also the longest standing parade in Spain. Three Kings Day is one of the most important holidays on the Puerto Rican calendar. for partying and exchanging gifts.. However, in many Hispanic cultures gifts can be given on Christmas Day, on Three Kings Day -- or as a double celebration on both days! In fact, this is just the beginning because twelve days after Christmas, we celebrate El Día de Reyes on January 6 th. The Three Kings Day (Día De Los Reyes Magos) celebrates the Nativity story of the Three Kings, also referred to as The Three Wise Men --Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar -- who brought gifts to baby Jesus in Bethlehem. We all know returning to school after Christmas break can be tough, but this party makes that week exciting! However, if you’re not near a Latin American mercado, you can always make the Nativity scene with printed figurines. Since this is a famous tradition in Spanish speaking countries, here are some words that might help you understand this holiday. The only mention of Three Kings Day in the Bible is in the Gospel of Matthew, but no details on the people who arrived at the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem are specified. This is also traditionally the big opportunity for children to ask the Kings for presents. The History of Three Kings Day in Spain. You could even turn it into a movie night! Your email address will not be published. That’s a pretty long and complex tradition! On Three Kings Day, everyone takes a piece of the bread, often sectioned to avoid cutting through the figurine. Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Contact UsSitemap© 2021 HSA. The story of Three Kings Day begins with the foretelling of baby Jesus’ birth. Inside the cake, there’s a small figurine of baby Jesus, and tradition holds that whoever gets this figure will have to host a tamales party on February 2, Day of the Candlemas. In 1783, the French dubbed the period between the Epiphany and Ash Wednesday “carnival,” meant to be a period of celebration prior to repenting during the Lenten season. Epiphany, commonly known as Three Kings’ Day in the United States, is on January 6. In 1885, the Spanish government called for a parade to mark the very special holiday. Once the end-of-the-year parties are over and the New Year begins, in Spain, the children are still waiting for the most important day of the holiday season. The Wise Men signify the non-Jewish people of the world, so Three Kings Day is seen as a revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles. Celebrated most in Spain and Latin America, but also across Europe, “El Dia de los Reyes”, as it’s called in Spanish, marks the adoration of baby Jesus by the three wise men. January 6, 2021. The Festival of the Three Magic Kings in Spain. If you live somewhere where you can’t buy Rosca de Reyes, you can reenact this tradition by putting an image of baby Jesus under a paper plate and handing them out randomly for everyone to turn over once they finish eating. Three Kings Day is one of the events that mark the beginning of these stories, and traditions such as Rosca de Reyes are representative of that. 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