Throughout the first week of January Mexican bakeries and grocery outlets are stocked with Rosca de Reyes, the traditional crown-shaped breads decorated with jewel-like candied fruits that is shared among families and friends to celebrate the Kings Day holiday.
Before the loaves go in the oven, the baker stuffs one or more tiny dolls into the raw dough.
The figures symbolize hiding the Christ Child for protection from the bloodthirsty King Herod. Excitement rises as people gather round to slice the rosca, knowing that anyone who cuts a slice studded with a baby will become a godparent of the Baby Jesus and by extension, host for a traditional Candlemas tamale feast held on February 2 as the final chapter of the country’s prolonged Christmas season.