Celebrate Three Kings’ Day no matter where you are

What is the name of your Three Kings’ Day?

The 6th of January is an important day for many cultures around the world. From Spain to France to Latin America and across Europe, many celebrate Three Kings’ Day with each area taking part in a variety of traditions.

The day is generally known as Epiphany. Some just call it Treyes Reyes (Three Kings) while in the Philippines the day can be called Pasko ng Matatanda (Feast of the Elderly). Other names include Little Christmas, Denha, Theophany and the Baptism of Jesus.

What do you call this special day?

Why do we celebrate Three Kings’ Day?

The day, also known as Epiphany, celebrates the three magis who travelled for 12 days and nights with offerings for the newborn baby Jesus, hailed as the king of Bethlehem.

Guided by the North Star, each wise man came bearing the unique gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. It is also said that each of the wise men represent the virtues of faith, hope and charity with each of their gifts signifying a part of the newborn king’s destiny.

Which countries celebrate Three Kings’ Day?

Fast forward to today, The Three Kings are commemorated in different parts of the world. In the Czech Republic, people swim in the freezing cold of the Vlatva River in search of a wooden crucifix. Whereas in Russia, Greece and Bulgaria, it’s  traditional to dive into water to honour the day.

For Filipinos, the day starts with mass after which friends and family gather to share gifts and take part in more festivities. Children leave their shoes out to be filled with candy or money overnight from the Kings.

In Spain and Latin America, as well as cities like Miami and New York, the day features large celebrations, grand parades and smaller get-togethers between friends, family and loved ones.

In most cities, you can spot three people at the street parades who are usually dressed up as the Three Kings. If you’re lucky, they’ll be on camelback handing gifts and treats to children and revelers alike. Many also fill the streets to get a slice of the famous holiday bread.

How is Three Kings’ Day celebrated?

A little something for the kids

This is also a big day for children in the various communities. Youngsters are told to leave salt, water, hay and maybe even some bread for when the Three Kings arrive on camel.

The kids are then filled with excitement and surprise when they wake up to find that the water and hay are gone and a toy present left in their place. Indeed, like Santa Claus, the Three Kings come bearing lots and lots of gifts. Across Latin America, people look forward to interacting with the Three Magis over the holidays, more than they do Christmas.

The gift that keeps on giving

Three Kings’ Day celebrates the day that the three wise men offered the baby Jesus gifts honouring his destiny as king. Gold was a celebration of his royal status, frankincense symbolised his divinity and myrrh spoke of the journey that he would walk on earth.  

In honour of that, the nativity scene is displayed in most Latino homes to remember the arrival of the three kings.

Rosca De Reyes and feasting games

What is a celebration without food, or, better yet, cake? Three Kings’ Bread, also known as Rosca De Reyes completes the festivities. The oval-shaped dish is baked from fruit-flavoured sweet dough that’s spread and sprinkled with jam and sugar icing.

But participants don’t just dig in, they first must find the doll of baby Jesus hidden inside. Whoever finds the doll, is tasked with planning a party. Nowadays, there may be more than one baby Jesus inside the cake so that the party planning is split fairly between friends and family.

Be the fourth wise man this year

We’re here to help you celebrate Three Kings’ Day wherever you are in the world. Make the day even better by connecting to loved ones and sending money home. Be the fourth wise man this year by keeping the tradition of sharing alive via our quick, easy and low cost money transfers.