This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Three Kings Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Three Kings Day is celebrated on January 6th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Three Kings Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you should know about Three Kings Day.
📅 What day is Three Kings Day 2024?
In 2024, Three Kings Day is on Friday, January 6th. It is the 1st Friday in January; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the fun details and facts about January 6, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
Three Kings Day, also known as “El Dia de los Reyes” in Spanish, is celebrated on January 6th, the twelfth day of Christmas. This special day honors the Three Wise Men and their visit to baby Jesus. It is a widely observed holiday in Europe, particularly in Spain, as well as in Latin America.
📜 Three Kings Day History
Many people believe that there were mysterious events leading up to Jesus’ birth, with the appearance of a star in Bethlehem being the most significant. Three wise men, known as the Magi, traveled a long distance to honor Jesus and brought valuable gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Even today, Three Kings Day, also called El Dia de Reyes, holds great importance for Catholics. Along with exchanging gifts, there is a specific food tradition associated with this day. A special pastry called Rosca de Reyes, shaped like a king’s crown, is enjoyed during this celebration. Inside the pastry, there is a small plastic figure of baby Jesus. The person who finds this figure is expected to host the upcoming celebration for Candlemas Day, known as Dia de la Condelaria, which takes place on February 2nd each year.
✅ Three Kings Day Facts
🔖 Customary cakes
In certain cultures, there is a tradition of baking small, ring-shaped cakes known as Rosca de Reyes. These cakes often contain a plastic baby figure, symbolizing baby Jesus.
🔖 There may have been more than three Magi
The Bible does not provide any specific details about the names or quantity of the Magi who visited baby Jesus.
🔖 It has many names
Three Kings Day, also referred to as Epiphany, Little Christmas, Theophany, Jesus’ Baptism, Denha, and Dia de Los Reyes, is a holiday with multiple names that is celebrated in various cultures and religions.
👍 Why Is Three Kings Day Important
Christmas isn’t the end of the gift-giving season! On Three Kings Day, children in Europe line up their shoes outside their doorways in order for the Three Kings to know to leave their presents inside.
In South America, Three Kings Day is celebrated with a sumptuous feast topped with a “Rosca de Reyes” or King Cake for dessert. The “Rosca de Reyes” is a round cake with a plastic Jesus figurine hidden inside, and whoever finds the baby Jesus must make tamales for everyone on February 2nd, the Day of the Candles.
Many households put out a box of grass or hay and some water for the camels (and horses and elephants) of the Three Kings to eat. The camels frequently leave a hay trail for the youngsters to follow in order to retrieve their gifts.
🙂 How To Observe Three Kings Day
⚡ Jump in some freezing cold water
⚡ Get a “Rosca de Reyes”
The tradition of King Cake is still very much alive in New Orleans and various parts of South America. It is quite easy to find recipes for making one online. Imagine a delicious cake flavored with cinnamon, topped with a syrupy sauce, and filled with a range of options to suit your level of indulgence.
⚡ Read the Bible
A traditional Three Kings swim in the Vltava River takes place in Prague. People put on speedos and crowns before jumping from a barge into the water. They then sip mulled wine and eat great, hearty Czech delicacies.
📅 When is Three Kings Day?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | January 6 | Saturday |
| 2025 | January 6 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 6 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | January 6 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | January 6 | Thursday |
View all 🔗 January holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Christian holidays.
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