Three Kings Day Celebrations Continue in Latino Community
Christmastime has ended for most, but for some in the Latino community, the festivities continue. Latino residents across Southern California and beyond are preparing to celebrate Three Kings Day, also known as Día de Los Reyes, on Monday, January 6.
A Second Christmas in Many Ways
According to Richard Rodríguez, a UC Riverside English professor specializing in Latino literary and cultural studies, "It’s kind of like a second Christmas in many ways. The kings’ arrival is kind of like a Santa Claus, but more grounded in Christian or Catholic religiosity – like that Santa Claus figure, but not synonymous with it."
Bakeries Prepare for the Occasion
Bakeries continue to play a big part in the day, offering Rosca de Reyes, ornate, round sweet bread decorated with candied fruits, with plastic baby Jesus figurines baked inside. At Sonora Bakery in Los Angeles, employees started preparing well before the holiday by offering the colorful sweet bread to customers.
Celebrations Across Southern California
This year, Disney California Adventure Park plans to celebrate the kings, while smaller venues such as Riverside’s Castle Park amusement center and the Riverside Art Museum will also mark the holiday. Some stage meet-and-greets with the kings, just as malls do with Santa. La Curacao, a Los Angeles-based appliance, electronics, and furniture store chain catering to the Latino community, has in the past featured photo opportunities with costumed wise men and gifts.
Riverside’s Castle Park and More
In Riverside, Castle Park, which has rides, an arcade, and miniature golf, will host Three Kings Day celebrations on Saturday, January 4, and Sunday, January 5. For the second time, the kings will star in evening processions and other festive activities. "It’s a great way for people to learn about something they may not know about," Castle Park Marketing Director Andrea Lewis said.
Riverside Art Museum’s Celebration
The Riverside Art Museum’s annual Three Kings’ Day celebration, organized by Cultura Con Llantas, is set for Sunday, January 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The free event will feature live music, ballet folklórico performances, and traditional Mexican food like tamales, pan dulce, hot chocolate, and slices of Rosca de Reyes.
Disney California Adventure Park’s Celebration
In Anaheim, Disneyland California Adventure Park’s annual Three Kings Day event will close the holiday season on Monday, January 6. Visitors to the park’s Paradise Gardens area will find art displays, activities, cultural music performances, and food.
Conclusion
Three Kings Day is a cherished holiday in many Latin American and Spanish-speaking cultures, and it’s crucial to keep such traditions alive. As Richard Rodríguez notes, "I think Starbucks picking up on this is kind of recognizing the importance of not just the holiday, but also the circulation of Rosca de Reyes in that way shows it is being embraced on a much larger scale."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Three Kings Day?
A: Three Kings Day, also known as Día de Los Reyes, is a holiday celebrated on January 6 to commemorate the visit of the Three Wise Men to Jesus Christ.
Q: What is Rosca de Reyes?
A: Rosca de Reyes is a traditional sweet bread decorated with candied fruits, with a plastic baby Jesus figurine baked inside, which is a symbol of the day.
Q: What is the significance of Three Kings Day?
A: Three Kings Day is a cherished holiday in many Latin American and Spanish-speaking cultures, and it’s significant for its connection to faith, culture, and hospitality.
Q: How is Three Kings Day celebrated?
A: Three Kings Day is celebrated with traditional music, dance, food, and family gatherings, often featuring Rosca de Reyes as the centerpiece.
