Three Kings Day

In Mexico, Christmas (Navidad) is a religious observance which begins with the Posadas, nine days before Christmas Eve, which is the holy night, or Noche Buena. The Posadas are meant to honor the nine days that Joseph and Mary spent looking for lodging.

Celebrating Christmas in Mexico takes nearly a month, and is filled with many feasts and plenty of opportunities to visit with friends and family. Instead of Santa Claus bringing several presents, like in the US, the Wise Men bring presents to children, just like they did for baby Jesus.
 
After New Year's Day, Mexican families still have a very special date to commemorate and enjoy. On January 6, most of the Hispanic world celebrates El Dia De Reyes, the Epiphany, remembering the day when the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem, arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold, for the Baby Jesus.
On the night, of January 5, the figurines of the Three Wise Men are added to the nativity scene. Before going to bed the children place their old shoes under their bed or in the living room, where the Wise Men will leave them their presents. Some also place outside the house, some hay and a bucket with water for the animals, and even some cookies and milk for Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar.
 
You can feel the excitement building up!   With twinkling eyes, the children eagerly, and constantly ask what time it is, wishing for time to fly so they could open their presents.
 
The children spend the day playing and admiring each other’s presents, sharing them with friends, talking about how they were able to hear or see the Reyes Magos when they arrived at their home, how one of them heard the camel’s footsteps, how the other saw a shining crown in the dark night!
 
Meanwhile, adults prepare for the Merienda de Reyes, an early evening dinner that friends and families share to celebrate the Epiphany.
The Merienda de Reyes is truly a multicultural event.   The Spaniards brought the tradition of celebrating the Epiphany and sharing the Rosca to the New World. The Rosca is served along with Tamales, made of corn which was the pre-Hispanic food per excel lance, and hot chocolate. Chocolate is also a gift from the native peoples of the New World.
Hidden inside is, a plastic figurine of the Baby Jesus. The Baby is hidden because it symbolizes the need to find a secure place where Jesus could be born.
 
Each person cuts a slice of the Rosca . The knife symbolizes the danger in which the Baby Jesus was in. One by one the guests carefully inspect their slice, hopping they didn't get the figurine.
 
Whoever gets the baby figurine shall be the host, and invite everyone present to a new celebration on February 2, Candelaria  or Candle mass day, and he also shall get a new Ropón or dress for the Baby Jesus of the Nativity scene.  On Candelaria, the nativity scene is put away and whoever is the guardian of the baby hosts a party. That person must make a christening gown for baby Jesus and prepare tamales for the feast.