Epiphany (Three Kings' Day)
Next: January 6, 2027
A crown, a cake, a hidden surprise.
The story
Where it comes from
Epiphany, from the Greek for 'manifestation', is one of the oldest Christian feasts, kept by the early church even before Christmas had its own day. Falling on 6 January, the twelfth day of Christmas, it remembers the visit of the Magi, the wise men from the East who brought the infant Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Tradition calls them Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, and in Spain and Latin America the day is known simply as Día de Reyes, the Day of the Kings.
How it's celebrated
In Spain, towns hold a Cabalgata de Reyes on the eve, with the kings tossing sweets from floats, and children leave out their shoes for presents, with grass and water for the camels. Families share a crown-shaped roscón or rosca de reyes with a figurine hidden inside. In France the cake is a galette des rois, and whoever finds the fève in their slice is crowned king or queen for the day. In many homes it is also the day the Christmas decorations come down.
Did you know
- In Italy, gifts are brought by La Befana, a kindly old woman on a broomstick who, legend says, sheltered the Magi on their way to Bethlehem.
- In Mexico, whoever finds the baby figurine in the rosca is expected to host a tamale party on Candlemas, 2 February.
- In Germany, children dressed as the three kings go from door to door as 'star singers', chalking a blessing over each doorway.
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