Introduction to Three Kings Day Celebration
Local bakeries are prepared to sell thousands of traditional Roscas de Reyes, or Wreaths of Kings, for this year’s Three Kings Day celebration. Pilsen and Little Village bakeries are hopeful neighbors from across the city, suburbs, and even neighboring states will visit Tuesday to snag a fresh Wreath of Kings, or Rosca de Reyes, after months of irregular sales due to immigration enforcement operations.
The Tradition of Rosca de Reyes
The sweet bread is enjoyed for Three Kings Day, a Christian holiday celebrated Jan. 6 in many Spanish-speaking countries. Eating the bread on Jan. 6 is a popular tradition among Mexican and Mexican-American families. Each wreath, or rosca, is baked with a tiny baby Jesus figurine hidden inside. Families typically get together to cut a slice of rosca and see who gets the figurine. Per tradition, whoever finds the baby gets good luck and must host a tamale party on Día de la Candelaria on Feb. 2.
Panaderia Nuevo Leon’s Role in the Celebration
The family-owned Mexican bakery, 1634 W. 18th St., has been a Pilsen staple, bringing fresh-baked bread to the area for 52 years. With Three Kings Day falling on a Tuesday this year, customers started visiting the bakery Friday for bread to enjoy with family over the weekend.
Staff work at Panaderia Nuevo Leon on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
On Tuesday, the bakery will not bake any of its usual sweet breads, as it will be dedicated solely to making at least 700 Wreaths of Kings, Casas said.
“But, it’s more than being in charge of tamales. It’s a blessing to find a baby Jesus figurine,” said Artemio Casas, manager of Panaderia Nuevo León.
La Baguette Chicago’s Preparation for the Celebration
In Little Village, staff at La Baguette Chicago, 3103 W. 26th St., will dress as the Three Kings to welcome customers and children who come into the bakery Tuesday.
At La Baguette’s new Discount Mall Plaza location, the team of eight bakers has been hard at work, carefully preparing the dough, inserting the figurines and laying sweet dried fruit, fruit paste and sugar paste on top for over 1,000 roscas made between Friday and Three Kings Day.
Chefs prepare Rosca de Reyes at La Baguette on 3103 W. 26th Street on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
“It’s an artisanal process. Not only is it a traditional bread, it’s a high-quality bread that represents a tradition. In Mexican-owned bakeries, you’ll truly find a piece of Mexico,” said Eduardo Patino, manager for La Baguette Chicago.
El Nopal Bakery’s Unique Offerings
Not far away, Alejandro Zamorano, of Cicero, walked into El Nopal Bakery, 3648 W. 26th St., on Monday evening to buy a classic Wreath of Kings for his family of six. The family has always celebrated Three Kings Day, and this year is no exception.
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