As grown-ups regroup in the wake of Christmas and New Year festivities, youngsters all over Mexico restlessly await the next big chapter of the holiday season: the celebration of Dia de Reyes or Three Kings Day, better known to most Anglos as Epiphany.
For children here, January 6 rather than Christmas Day is the traditional date to wake up and find presents brought by mysterious overnight visitors. They grow up believing that Los Reyes Magos (Magi) come while they sleep to leave them toys and holiday treats – just as they delivered treasures to the Baby Jesus.
Before tucking into bed on January 5, they place their shoes under their beds or next to the household nativity scene to be filled with surprises. Wish lists directed to the Reyes may be slipped inside the footgear, placed beneath the manger or tied to a balloon released to the heavens.
Magi on tour
Kids in the Lake Chapala area will enjoy a special thrill this coming Monday when the great star leads the wisemen to live appearances at different locations.
Dressed in regal attire Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar will take a late afternoon spin through the streets of Ajijic, tossing out treats to eager niños as they make their towards the central plaza. At the estimated arrival time of 6 p.m. they will reenact their trek from distant homelands lands to the Bethlehem, bearing gifts for the newborn Messiah.
In cooperation with the town administrator Hector España, the town’s Passion Play theater troupe will help set the scene as the Three Kings wend their way past shepherds tending flocks to find the Holy Family gathered around the humble manager.
Immediately following the presentation there will be a big community bash, with piñata-smashing, free goodies, hot and cold drinks, steaming platters of pozole and entertainment for all comers, young and old alike.
Expats are more than welcome to attend. Those who wish to pitch in for the celebration are encouraged to drop by Manix Restaurant, Ocampo 57, ahead of time to leave donations of empty or filled piñatas, extra candies and fruits, small toys and items of warm winter apparel (caps, scarves, gloves and socks) for elders,
The Reyes Magos will also roll into Chapala around the same time for a parade along Avenida Madero ending in front of the San Francisco Church. They will dispense sweets and toys among the throngs of children hanging out to greet them.
The celebration wraps up as spectators congregate at the church entrance to share cutting and nibbling dozens of Rosca de Reyes pastries set out side-by-side to form a giant oblong ring.
As the holiday approaches, shoppers find local bakeries and grocery outlets stocked with ample supplies of Rosca de Reyes, the crown-shaped bread decorated with jewel-like candied fruits that is the centerpiece for a traditional Kings Day snack.
Before sliding the loaves into the oven, bakers press tiny baby dolls into the raw dough, which symbolizes keeping the Christ Child hidden from the murderous King Herod.
It is customary for families and friends to gather on January 6 and take turns slicing up the rosca, watching anxiously to see who finds a figurine in their portion. Those who do become padrinos (godparents) of the Baby Jesus and by extension, hosts for a traditional Candlemas tamale feast held on February 2 when the country’s prolonged Christmas season finally comes to a close.