In The Community
Lima Was Almost Called "City of Kings"
Photo by Ethan Jameson on UnsplashThe capital city of Peru, Lima, was originally named Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) by Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro. Why? He found the perfect spot to establish the city on January 6th, the day of Epiphany. While the name didn’t stick, the connection between Lima and Día de Reyes remains a little-known historical tidbit.
The Hidden Baby Jesus in Rosca de Reyes
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Biting into a slice of Rosca de Reyes is more than a delicious treat, it’s a tradition steeped in symbolism. Hidden inside the sweet bread is a tiny figurine representing Baby Jesus, a nod to his hiding from King Herod. If you’re the lucky (or unlucky) one to find it, you’re tasked with hosting a party on February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria.
Puerto Rico’s Juana Díaz Goes All Out
Photo by Ovidio Soto on UnsplashThe town of Juana Díaz in Puerto Rico takes Día de Reyes to the next level. For over 135 years, it has hosted an annual festival and parade that draws more than 25,000 people. The event features live music, costumes, and reenactments of the Three Kings’ journey, making it one of the most vibrant celebrations of the holiday.
Shoes Instead of Stockings
Photo by Jonathan Meyer on UnsplashIn Spain and parts of Latin America, children leave their shoes out on the night of January 5th, hoping the Three Kings will fill them with gifts. The shoes often come with letters to the Kings, which adds to how heartfelt this tradition can be.
Don’t Forget the Camels!
Photo by Jack McCracken on UnsplashIn Argentina, the holiday goes the extra mile—literally—for the Kings' entourage. Children not only leave out their shoes but also set out water and grass for the Kings' camels, horses, and even elephants. It’s a thoughtful gesture that reflects the spirit of generosity that defines the tradition.
It's a True Ending to Christmas
Photo by Mourad Saadi on UnsplashWhile many of us think Christmas wraps up on December 25th, for Christians who celebrate Día de Reyes, the season extends until January 6th—or even January 12th in Eastern traditions. This makes the Epiphany the true conclusion of the holiday season and a perfect reason to keep the tree up a little longer.
Harlem’s Hosts a Unique Celebration
Photo by Tom Dillon on UnsplashNew York City joins the festivities in its own way with the El Museo del Barrio’s annual Three Kings Day Parade in Harlem. Featuring giant puppets of the Kings, live music, and cultural performances, this parade is all about tradition and community celebration.
Disney Also Gets in on the Fun
Photo by Gui Avelar on UnsplashEven the House of Mouse celebrates Día de Reyes! At Disney California Adventure, a special parade commemorates the holiday, bringing a touch of magic to the festivities with colorful floats and characters that embody the spirit of the day.
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" Explained
Photo by Josh Harrison on UnsplashEver wondered why the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” exists? It’s rooted in the period between December 25th and January 6th, ending in the Epiphany, and it’s a reminder of the holiday’s deep historical and cultural significance. Plus, it's a banger, as the kids say.
Día de Reyes Used to Be Bigger Than Christmas
Photo by Douglas Mendes
Before the 19th century, Día de Reyes held more weight than Christmas Day itself in many cultures, especially in Latin America. It was the main day for gift-giving and celebration, emphasizing the Kings’ generosity over Santa’s sleigh. Though times have changed, the holiday remains a cornerstone of tradition for millions.
Whether you’re leaving out shoes or indulging in some Rosca, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this beloved tradition.
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In Spain, many Latin American countries, and amongst the Latino diaspora in the U.S., children eagerly await the arrival of the Reyes Magos on January 6th, known in many places as Epiphany or El Dia de Los Reyes. It is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods such as the Rosca de Reyes, a circular cake with dried fruit, and a small figurine of a baby Jesus hidden inside.
For many immigrant families in the U.S., this is often treated as a second Christmas, which makes complete sense because when the opportunity for extra gifts arises…
Reyes Magos Explained
The celebration of the Reyes Magos dates back to the Middle Ages and has become an integral part of the cultural fabric of Spanish and Latin American countries. In many homes, children write letters to the Reyes Magos, listing their gift requests and leaving out cookies and water for the wise men's camels.
In the days leading up to Epiphany, which according to the U.S. Library of Congress, commemorates "the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world and the coming of the Magi," parades and pageants are held in honor of the Reyes Magos, with people dressing up as the wise men, their camels, and other characters from the nativity story.
Image by Municipalidad de Miraflores - Flickr
The tradition of the Reyes Magos was brought to Latin America from Spain during Spanish colonization. When the Spanish conquistadors plundered and conquered indigenous lands, they brought their cultural traditions with them that they imposed on their new subjects, including the celebration of the Reyes Magos.
Over time, the tradition of the Reyes Magos has become an integral part of the cultural fabric of many Latin American countries. It is now a widely known holiday celebrated by millions of people throughout Latin America and the U.S.
The Rosca de Reyes and Baby Jesus
In Latin America, the Reyes Magos celebration is similar to how it is celebrated in Spain.
The Rosca de Reyes, or King's Cake, is a traditional sweet bread baked in a circular shape made with sweet dough and decorated with dried fruit. It often comes with a small baby Jesus figurine hidden inside.
The tradition of the Rosca de Reyes is believed to have originated in France. It was later brought to Spain and then to Latin America, where it has become an integral part of the Reyes Magos celebration.
The small figurine that is hidden inside the Rosca is an important part of the tradition. The figurine is usually a small hard plastic doll that represents baby Jesus and is placed inside the cake before it is baked.
demi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
According to tradition, the person who finds the figurine in their slice of the Rosca de Reyes is considered the King or the Queen for the day and must host the next celebration or party. This is meant to symbolize the generosity and hospitality at the heart of the Reyes Magos celebration. In some places, it is also traditional for the person who finds the figurine to make a small charitable donation or to perform a good deed as a way of honoring the spirit of the holiday season.
The small figurine that is hidden inside the Rosca also adds an element of surprise and fun to the celebration. In many Latino households, it’s become customary to dread being the person who ends up with the baby Jesus in their slice because then they are responsible for hosting a tamalada for the next family get-together on February 2, or Candelaria Day.
Candelaria Day officially marks the end of holiday celebrations that started on December 12 with the Virgen de Guadalupe feast day and extends into Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), Christmas Day, and Three Kings Day.
But everyone knows Latinos don’t need a religious holiday to get the family together for some good food, fun, and traditions that transcend generations!
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Wear Red (or Yellow) Underwear
Photo by penki .ir on UnsplashThis one’s a classic. Want to find true love in the new year? Slip on some red undies before the clock strikes midnight. Looking to boost your luck and bring in some wealth? Go for yellow. And don’t forget: they have to be brand new! No one really knows why, but are you willing to risk it?
Eat 12 Grapes for Good Luck
Photo by 王 术山 on UnsplashThe rules are simple: at the stroke of midnight, pop 12 grapes into your mouth, one for each chime of the clock. Each grape represents a wish or blessing for every month of the coming year. But here’s the challenge—trying not to choke or laugh when your tíos yell, “¡Cómetelas rápido!” (“Eat them quickly!”) as you struggle to keep up.
Run Around the Block with a Suitcase
Do you want to travel more in 2025? Grab your suitcase and take a lap around the block as soon as the new year begins. Whether you’re dreaming of tropical beaches or just a weekend road trip, this ritual is supposed to guarantee adventures. Bonus points if you look ridiculous doing it (because you will).
Sweep Out the Old Year (Literally)
In some households, cleaning is more than a chore—it’s a New Year’s Eve tradition. Grab a broom and sweep the floors right before midnight to get rid of the bad vibes from the past year. Just make sure to sweep outward toward the door so you don’t accidentally trap the negativity inside.
Fill Your Wallet with Lentils
Photo by Monika Borys on UnsplashWant to attract abundance and financial stability? Do what Latinos do and stuff a few dried lentils in your wallet. Lentils are considered a symbol of prosperity, and carrying them with you is thought to bring wealth in the coming year. In this economy, it’s worth a try.
Place Money in Your Shoes
Photo by Vitaly Taranov on UnsplashAlong the same lines, some people swear by slipping a coin or a bill into their shoes before the countdown begins. Walking into the new year literally on money is believed to attract wealth. Sure, it might be uncomfortable, but who cares if it could make financial freedom more attainable?
Burn a Stuffed Doll (or “El Viejo” in Ecuador)
Photo by Richard Stachmann on UnsplashThis one’s all about letting go of the past. In Ecuador and other countries, families create a doll or effigy, often representing the old year (or a disliked figure, let’s be honest), and burn it at midnight. It’s symbolic of leaving behind mistakes, negativity, and anything else you’re ready to say goodbye to.
Toss Water Out the Window
Photo by Mateusz Butkiewicz on UnsplashIn certain countries, particularly in the Caribbean, throwing a glass of water out the window is a way to cleanse your home of any lingering bad energy. Just make sure no one’s standing below, or you might accidentally shower them in agua de los malos espíritus.
Jump Three Times Off a Chair
Photo by Daniel Lincoln on UnsplashIf you’re hoping to make big changes or take bold steps in the new year, some traditions suggest literally jumping into it—off a chair, that is. Each jump represents leaving behind fear, hesitation, or anything holding you back. Think of it as your first leap of faith for the year.
Light Colored Candles for Your Intentions
Photo by Stripe Media on UnsplashLatinos love a good candle moment, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Choose colors based on what you’re manifesting: green for prosperity, white for peace, red for love, and so on. Light them as midnight approaches and set your intentions. Bonus points if Abuela busts out a prayer to make it extra potent.
Whether you’re downing grapes like your life depends on it, running around with a suitcase, or sweeping out the old year’s bad vibes, these superstitions are more than just fun—they’re a way to connect with your roots and start the year with a little hope. Who knows? Maybe all that jumping, cleaning, and underwear choosing will actually pay off.
Feliz Año Nuevo, and may 2025 bring you all the luck, love, and health you deserve.
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