What Countries Celebrate 3 Kings Day? Every year, January 6 is officially celebrated as Happy 3 Kings 2024 in Venezuela, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, and Cuba are among the Latin American and Caribbean countries that celebrate this holiday. In the U.S., many Latinx and Hispanic communities commemorate Three Kings Day as a way to honor their own cultures and customs.
Quick Link:
What Countries Celebrate 3 Kings Day?
Three Kings’ Day, also known as Epiphany or the Feast of the Epiphany is a joyous holiday celebrated in various countries around the world. This special day, which falls on January 6th each year, commemorates the visit of the three wise men, or the Magi, to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. While this holiday is closely associated with the Christian faith, its celebrations have spread far and wide, transcending religious boundaries. In this article, we will take a journey around the globe to explore the countries where Three Kings’ Day is celebrated with enthusiasm and cultural flair.
1. Mexico: A Feast of Rosca de Reyes
In Mexico, Three Kings’ Day, or “Día de Reyes,” is a vibrant and cherished holiday. Families gather to enjoy a delicious sweet bread known as “Rosca de Reyes.” This bread is shaped like a crown and often contains hidden figurines representing the baby Jesus. Tradition dictates that whoever finds the figurine in their slice must host a party on Candlemas Day, which falls on February 2nd. In addition to feasting on Rosca de Reyes, Mexicans celebrate with parades, live nativity scenes, and gift-giving, similar to the Christmas festivities in other parts of the world.
2. Spain: A Colorful Procession
In Spain, Three Kings’ Day is called “El Día de los Reyes” and is celebrated with a grand procession. This parade features the three wise men, elaborately dressed and riding on camels or floats, distributing sweets and small gifts to excited children. The night before the parade, many towns and cities host “Cabalgatas,” which are reenactments of the journey of the Magi. Families also leave out shoes for the Magi to fill with gifts, much like leaving stockings for Santa Claus.
3. Puerto Rico: A Festive Tradition
In Puerto Rico, Three Kings’ Day, or “Día de los Reyes,” is a public holiday filled with festivities. Children often prepare grass or hay for the Magi’s camels and leave it outside their homes. In return, the Magi leave gifts and sweets for the children. Parades featuring colorful floats and music fill the streets, and it’s a day for families to come together for special meals and celebrations.
4. Dominican Republic: A Blend of Traditions
In the Dominican Republic, Three Kings’ Day, known as “Día de los Reyes,” combines elements of the Catholic tradition with indigenous Taino customs. Children often write letters to the Three Kings, requesting gifts and leaving them under their pillows. The day is marked by feasting on traditional Dominican foods, such as “asopao” (a hearty rice stew) and “pasteles en hoja” (meat-filled plantain tamales). The holiday is a beautiful fusion of cultural traditions.
5. Greece: Blessing of the Waters
In Greece, Three Kings’ Day is known as “Theophany” or “Fota,” and it’s a significant religious celebration. The Greek Orthodox Church conducts a special blessing of the waters, where priests throw a cross into the sea or a river, and young men dive in to retrieve it. It’s a symbolic act of purification and blessing for the year ahead. Families also gather for a special meal that includes a sweet bread called “Vasilopita,” in which a coin is hidden. The person who finds the coin is said to have good luck for the year.
6. France: Galette des Rois
In France, Three Kings’ Day is celebrated with a delightful pastry known as “Galette des Rois” or “King Cake.” This flaky, almond-filled pastry often contains a hidden figurine or trinket, and the person who discovers it is crowned as king or queen for the day. French families and friends gather to share this delicious treat, and it’s a joyful occasion that extends the holiday season.
7. Ethiopia: A Unique Observance
In Ethiopia, Three Kings’ Day is known as “Timket” and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It coincides with the Ethiopian Epiphany and involves a reenactment of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. In colorful processions, people dressed in traditional clothing march to rivers and ponds for the ceremonial blessing of the water. It’s a vibrant and spiritual celebration that reflects Ethiopia’s rich religious heritage.
