Three Kings Day: A Celebration of Giving, Tradition, and Cultural Heritage
A Day of Joy and Giving
Each year on January 6, families in Chicago come together to celebrate the Epiphany, also known as Día de Reyes. This special day marks the visit of the Three Wise Men to an infant Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. To commemorate this event, community organizations, City Council members, and families across the city host toy giveaways, cultural performances, and traditional feasts.
A Sweet Tradition: Rosca de Reyes
At the heart of the celebration is the traditional Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread that families share after dinner. This sweet bread is typically enjoyed with hot chocolate, coffee, or champurrado. The bread is cut, and served, and whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine in their piece is responsible for making tamales and throwing a party for the next religious holiday on February 2.
A Variety of Rosca de Reyes
There are dozens of places to buy a Rosca de Reyes, but some of the best recipes have decades-long legacies, like Artemio’s in Wicker Park, which sells hundreds of Rosca de Reyes cakes annually with lines out the door. Another unique take on the traditional bread is found at Angelo’s Stuffed Pizza, 4850 S. Pulaski Rd., which offers a pizza version of the Rosca, stuffed with three baby Jesus figurines and topped with ham, pineapple, green pepper, and pepperoni.
Events and Activities
One event in Lawndale will serve a “giant Rosca” at the OPEN Center for the Arts, 2214 S. Sacramento Ave. There will also be Rosca-themed coloring pages and a craft project to participate in. Children 12 and under will line up to receive free toys and bicycles at various events around the city.
The Puerto Rican Cultural Center partners with the 26th Ward and the Latin American Motorcycle Association’s Chicago chapter to host a toy drive at La Casita de Don Pedro on Paseo Boricua in Humboldt Park, the stretch of Division Street between Western and California Avenues. This year’s PRCC toy drive marks a historic 30 years since the large steel flags on Divison Street were erected in 1995 on the same day. There will also be a visit from the Three Wise Men, who will pose for photos with families and their children.
Conclusion
Día de Reyes is a celebration of giving, tradition, and cultural heritage. It is a day to come together with family and friends, share in the joy and spirit of the Epiphany, and remember the story of the Three Wise Men and their visit to an infant Jesus. Whether through traditional feasts, cultural performances, or community events, Día de Reyes is a day to be cherished and celebrated.
FAQs
* What is Día de Reyes?
Día de Reyes is the Spanish name for the Epiphany, which commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to an infant Jesus.
* What is Rosca de Reyes?
Rosca de Reyes is a traditional sweet bread that is typically enjoyed on Día de Reyes.
* How do I make a Rosca de Reyes?
There are many ways to make a Rosca de Reyes, including baking a traditional sweet bread or purchasing one from a bakery.
* What are some events happening in Chicago for Día de Reyes?
There are many events happening in Chicago for Día de Reyes, including toy giveaways, cultural performances, and traditional feasts. Some popular events include the Puerto Rican Cultural Center’s toy drive and the OPEN Center for the Arts’ “giant Rosca” event.
