In The Community
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash(From "Letter from Birmingham Jail," 1963)
This is your reminder not to ignore issues just because they don’t seem to affect you directly. Educate yourself, and speak up against injustices, big or small, in your community or beyond. Volunteer, donate, or simply start conversations about how to make the world a fairer place for all.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
Photo by Duncan Shaffer on Unsplash(From his "I Have a Dream" speech, 1963)
This is one of the most well-known MLK quotes and for good reason. This is a dream we should all support and while strides have been made against racism, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Make a habit of fostering inclusivity in your personal and professional spaces every chance you get.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Photo by Ona Buflod Bovollen
(From "Strength to Love," 1963)
In other words: Stand firm in your values, especially when it’s difficult. Whether it’s speaking out against injustice or supporting someone who’s struggling, true character shows in how you act when you find yourself between a rock and a hard place. Staying consistent is hard but fulfilling work, making you a better person and the world around you a better place.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."
Photo by Jukan Tateisi on UnsplashHave a big goal but feel overwhelmed? Take that first small step, even if the path ahead seems unclear. Trust that the journey will unfold as you go. This applies to everything from personal dreams to advocating for change in your community.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
Photo by Marlis Trio Akbar on UnsplashWe can be good on our own, but we’re stronger together. Serving others when we can should be as regular as serving ourselves, so try to make fulfilling service a part of your daily life. Find what you’re passionate about and contribute to it in any way you can. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being present for a friend, contributing to others’ well-being can be a big source of joy.
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
Photo by Nick Fewings on UnsplashListen, you already know this. Life will throw you a fair share of setbacks, whether you see them coming or not. You can’t let hardships define your outlook or negatively impact your values. Try to use disappointment or failure as a learning experience and hold onto hope. There will come a time when you will be on the other side of those hardships and you’ll be grateful for what you learned and how you handled them.
"The time is always right to do what is right."
Photo by Niklas Rhöse on Unsplash(From his Oberlin College commencement address, 1965)
This is your sign to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment to take action about anything that you’ve been meaning to do. Whether it’s apologizing, helping someone, or addressing an issue in your community, start today and do the right thing now.
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
Photo by Tim Marshall on UnsplashOh, this is a big one. It’s very easy to hold on to negative feelings like anger and resentment, especially when we’ve been slighted. The thing about holding grudges is that they drain you. They don’t affect the other person whatsoever. Choosing love for yourself will free you from that burden and set you up for better things ahead.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s words are as powerful today as they were decades ago. By integrating his wisdom into your life, you can become a more compassionate, courageous, and impactful person. This MLK Day, don’t just read his quotes, apply them to the way you live your life.
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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
es.m.wikipedia.org
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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