What traditions are observed on 6 January in Spain?

The Epiphany is celebrated on January 6, the most awaited Christmas tradition. On this day, it's common to see little ones playing with the gifts they got from the Three Wise Men . Days or even months earlier, children write letters to Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar to ask for their gifts . On the night of January 5, they go out to greet them in the parade , which is held in every city and town in Spain.

What is the most typical food on the Day of the Three Wise Men?

The most typical food on this day is the Epiphany round cake. It is a bun filled with cream or chocolate truffles, decorated with candied fruit and a hidden surprise inside . Starting on January 5, the sweet aroma of the round cake wafts through every street in the country.

Where is the Epiphany celebrated?

The Day of the Three Wise Men originated in Spain, but it's also celebrated in other countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Peru, Bolivia, Portugal...

Where do the Three Wise Men come from?

According to the Bible, the Magi came from the East , guided by a star. They arrived at the manger in Bethlehem to worship the Baby Jesus and bring him three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Servants and camels of the Three Wise Men?

The servants accompany the Three Wise Men and have an important function: to collect all the letters that the children write before January 5 and send them to their majesties so they won't forget anything. As for the gifts, they are carried by the Three Wise Men's camels. That's why you have to put out a bowl of water and some vegetables, so they can get their strength back and keep delivering gifts throughout the night.

Picture of a boy opening gifts on the morning of the Epiphany

January 6

Day of the Three Wise Men

What do we celebrate on the Day of the Three Wise Men?

Known as the "Epiphany" or the Day of the Three Wise Men, it is a religious holiday that celebrates the arrival of Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar at the manger in Bethlehem, after a long journey from distant lands following the "Star of Bethlehem" to give Jesus three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

When is the Day of the Three Wise Men?

While the calendar shows January 6 as "Epiphany" (officially), the celebrations usually start earlier. On the afternoon of 5 January, big cities and small towns alike stage the parades typical of this holiday, giving way to the eagerly anticipated "Night of the Magi," which is very popular among little ones, since, as tradition has it, the Three Wise Men of the East leave the gifts they asked for in their letters under the Christmas Tree.

Letter to the Magi

"Gifts" and "Three Kings Day" have always gone hand in hand. From the dawn of time. However, the passage of time has caused the initial concept to evolve (without losing its essence), making this holiday part of the year's best-known commercial period: Christmastime. It is characterized by a considerable increase in consumer spending, as people try to give children the gifts that, as tradition dictates, they ask for in their "Letter to the Magi."

What are the names of the Three Wise Men?

There are Three Wise Men:

Melchior: he represented Europeans. Went to the Manger of Bethlehem with gold for the Baby Jesus.
Gaspar: he represented Asians. Went to the Manger of Bethlehem with frankincense for the Baby Jesus.
Balthasar: he represented Africans. Went to the Manger of Bethlehem with myrrh for the Baby Jesus.

These names, those of the Magi, first appeared in the mosaic of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo (in Ravenna), in the sixth century AD. AD.

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