If you are planning to relocate to Mexico or more specifically to the Yucatan Peninsula, you should know the tradition of the day of the Three Kings. A festivity that commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men. The three kings of the East that came to worship the birth of baby Jesus in Bethlehem, bringing him gold, frankincense, and myrrh as a tribute to the great king.
That is why children from all over Mexico eagerly await the sunrise to run to the Christmas tree. They expect to find the toys and gifts left by them. The day of Kings is a Christian tradition a celebration that takes part in many countries of Latin America.
On January 5th, children leave their letters with their requests inside one of their shoes. What happens at dawn is really magical because toys, sweets, and clothes appear under the Christmas tree as a reward for their good behavior during the year.
Rosca de Reyes
As part of this celebration, they also cut the Rosca de Reyes. It is a sweet bread with the shape of a crown decorated with crystallized fruits, simulating jewelry. Small baby figurines are hidden inside the dough before baking it, simulating baby Jesus’. People accompany this bread with hot cocoa.
The tradition goes that when someone bites the slice of bread and finds one of the figurines, he becomes the godfather of that child. These godfathers have to buy tamales for the rest of the guests. This other tradition commemorates the presentation of baby Jesus before the temple on February 2nd. That is the date marked by the Judeo-Christian tradition or the Catholic Church on the day of Candlemas. But that is just the continuation of this Mexican tradition.
Festivity in Tizimin in the Yucatan Peninsula
Yucatan also celebrates the day of the Three Magi. There is a Franciscan church whose patron saints are the Three Wise Men. That Church is in Tizimin, and it has three figures of one meter each, representing the three Magi.
To celebrate the day of the Magi in Tizimin, it is customary to hold a party that lasts several days. It begins on December 28th and ends on January 7th. This festivity is very important for the people of Tizimin. And that is why they carry out activities to attract locals and visitors from other states and countries.
It is one of the most traditional regional fairs in Yucatan and the whole country. Artists and singers of national stature come to liven up the fair. There are religious festivities, dances, dairy farms, and pilgrimages to Tizimin as well.
The parishioners organize these pilgrimages. They promised the patron saints to go to the Church on the day of the celebration if they were granted the requested miracle.
Most arrive from distant villages on their bicycles, pedaling several kilometers to reach the temple and fulfill their promise with a command or gift for them.
It’s important to note that although in the State of Quintana Roo, the tradition could be vanishing due to the influence of other cultures, religions, and the cosmopolitan nature of its cities such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen . However, it is not the case, so when you decide to move here, you will have the opportunity to live the magic of these festivities.