Today is the 6th of January, which is the 12th Day of Christmas, and so the Epiphany. Not very important in the UK, but in Spain it is one of the most important days: it is the day kids have been waiting for all year to get their presents! According to Christian Tradition, the Three Wise Men are the three Kings of Orient who travelled to Bethlehem following the star. Melchior known as Melchor in Spanish (the one with the white beard), Caspar or Gaspar (the one with the brown beard), and Balthasar or Baltasar (the black one), came to visit baby Jesus and brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Being a majoritarily Catholic country, it is this tradition that is followed, and kids leave out their shoes in a spot where the Kings are sure to see them.
Now let me explain the pomp associated to this, because as one would imagine, in Spain Father Christmas is a relatively new and understandably unimportant figure when compared to their Majesties. Father Christmas and his 7 reindeers somehow do not quite reach the ostentation and pageantry that three Kings of Orient travelling on camels do. All throughout Christmas children can ask to speak to KINGS, they get to sit on wonderful thrones scattered all across the country in malls, market streets, schools, etc.
They can speak with one, two, or all three Kings! They may also speak to page boys/girls instead if the kings are not available, or they can choose to just send them a letter if they find the whole having a conversation with a Monarch too much for their little hearts to take. In general, the Kings ask the kids about their behaviour, and what would the child like for a present. The Kings themselves go on a major parade through the cities and villages on the evening of the 5th, throwing sweets at the people gathered to watch them. Since it is a religious act and it is joy for the kids, the local authorities tend to be quite generous. Organised throughout the year, the streets fill with Carnival style floats, a big spectacle in general, and quite a show.
But that’s not all. On the actual 6th of January, there’s not only presents to enjoy, there is also a delicious cake called Roscón de Reyes to eat and share throughout the day.
Breakfast on the Epiphany consists on Roscón de Reyes and hot chocolate. The origin of this tradition lies in a XI century Christian Celebration known as El Rey del Haba (The Bean King). The villagers use to choose one child among the poorest in the village and crown him as the Epiphany King. He would be treated with lots of presents, clothes ands delicious food. This was also celebrated at Family level on the same day. People would bake a huge Roscón and insert a small present inside: a bean, a coin, a small object. The person whose piece had the present was crowned King and would preside the table.
Now gather energy eating the delicious Roscón and chocolate, and enjoy opening all your presents!
