History and Traditions of Rosca de Reyes Bread for Three Kings Day

The History and Significance of Rosca de Reyes

Rosca de reyes, also known as King's Cake, is a traditional sweet bread baked around Epiphany on January 6th each year. Epiphany marks the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The bread is oval or circular in shape to represent a crown and is decorated with candied fruits to symbolize the jewels a crown would contain.

The bread contains a small plastic baby figurine, meant to represent baby Jesus. The person who finds the figurine in their slice is responsible for hosting a party on Candlemas (Día de la Candelaria) on February 2nd and providing tamales and atole for guests.

The Significance of the Plastic Baby

Finding the baby Jesus figurine in your slice of rosca de reyes bread brings good luck for the coming year. It also gives you the honor of hosting the Candlemas celebration. The plastic baby figurine represents baby Jesus from the nativity story. When the three wise men visited Jesus, they brought him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Candlemas Celebrations

Candlemas celebrates the purification of Mary and the presentation of Jesus at the temple 40 days after his birth. It marks the end of the Christmas season. The person who finds the baby Jesus figurine in their rosca de reyes bread hosts a party on February 2nd and makes tamales and atole to share with friends and family.

Where to Buy Rosca de Reyes Boxes and Bread

You can find rosca de reyes bread at many Mexican bakeries and grocery stores during the holiday season. Specialty bakeries like El Mexicano Bakery in Los Angeles start making them beginning December 26th. Many grocery store chains like Northgate González Market also carry them.

Ordering Rosca de Reyes Boxes Online

If you don't live near a Mexican bakery, you can order rosca de reyes online. Some popular options include:

• La Monarca Bakery - Ships nationwide and offers 2-pound loaves with plastic baby figurine
• Mi Tienda - Offers classic rosca plus chocolate, strawberry and guava flavored versions
• La Palma Mexican Bakery - Ships fresh rosca bread overnight nationwide

Making Your Own Rosca de Reyes

You can also try making your own rosca de reyes at home. Recipes often include ingredients like eggs, butter, milk, flour, citrus zest, cinnamon and dried fruit. Once shaped, the bread is topped with dried or candied fruits. Bake a tiny plastic doll into the bread to represent baby Jesus.

Rosca de Reyes Party Ideas

Hosting a rosca de reyes party for Candlemas is a fun way to share the bread and celebrate the end of the Christmas season. Here are some tips for hosting a great party:

Send Festive Invitations

Set the tone with invitations decorated with images of the three wise men or rosca bread. Having a rosca de reyes themed invitation lets guests know what the party is for.

Make Tamales and Atole

Stay true to tradition by serving tamales and atole just like the person who finds the baby Jesus figurine is supposed to provide. Making tamales does take work, so you can also order them.

Have Mexican Hot Chocolate

Warm and sweet Mexican hot chocolate is another traditional beverage that pairs perfectly with rosca de reyes bread. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.

Play La Rosca de Reyes Game

Hide a baby Jesus figurine inside a sacrificial rosca bread. Cut it into slices and let guests pick their piece. Whoever winds up with the figurine must host next year!

Decorate with a Rosca Theme

Use decorations featuring the three wise men, crowns, stars and angels to reinforce the rosca de reyes theme. Display nativity scenes and play festive Spanish music.

The Importance of Rosca de Reyes Tradition

Rosca de reyes bread and the accompanying traditions are a fun and delicious way for families to celebrate the Three Kings Day and Candlemas holidays. The custom has roots dating back to the 16th century and remains an important part of Mexican Christmas festivities.

Whether you order rosca online, buy it from a local bakery or make it yourself, serving it for Three Kings Day on January 6th can make the holiday feel more special. Finding the baby Jesus figurine brings excitement and involves the community in celebrating Candlemas together.

FAQs

What does rosca de reyes mean?

Rosca de reyes means "king's ring" or "king's wreath" in Spanish. It refers to the bread's oval shape resembling a crown or wreath.

When is rosca de reyes eaten?

Rosca de reyes is traditionally eaten on Three Kings Day, which is January 6th. It can also be eaten from Christmas up until February 2nd for Candlemas.

Where can I buy rosca de reyes?

You can buy rosca de reyes at many Mexican bakeries and grocery stores. Specialty online retailers also ship it nationwide if you don't live near a Hispanic bakery.