CHRISTIANSTED — Less than a week into 2025 and there are already reasons to celebrate!
Epiphany is known by several different names, including El Día de Los Reyes Magos and Three Kings’ Day.
The January 6 holiday celebrates the three kings who each gave a gift to the baby Jesus. Here is what you need to know about the holiday and how you can celebrate it.
History
Epiphany celebrates the biblical adoration of the baby Jesus by the Three Kings, also referred to as the Three Wise Men or Magi. According to the Gospel of Matthew, one king offered gold, and another offered frankincense to the baby Jesus, symbolizing Jesus’ royal standing and divine nature. The third king offered myrrh, which was often used to embalm corpses, as a symbol of Jesus’ mortality.
Traditions
Gifts: Gift-giving is a special part of Three Kings’ Day and a way to celebrate the gifts given to the baby Jesus in the Bible. Children place their old shoes out before going to bed the night of Jan. 5, and in the morning, the shoes are filled with toys and gifts from the Three Kings.
A large, delicious meal: No holiday is complete without a huge meal, prepared for family and friends. Three Kings’ Day is no exception. Good dishes to make include a marinated pork roast, tamales, and Abuelita brand hot chocolate.
Celebration: Celebrations of Three Kings’ Day vary across the globe. St. Croix will host a parades, bands, food and music tomorrow in Christiansted town. Three Kings Day is a public holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. It is celebrated to emphasize and maintain the Hispanic heritage and culture of the islands. The holiday marks the official end of the Christmas season in the territory.
Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread): Rosca de Reyes is a traditional holiday bread made especially for Three Kings’ Day. The bread is round in shape as a symbol of a king’s crown. Baked within the folds of bread is a clay or porcelain baby Jesus figurine. Whoever finds the toy must then host a party for everyone on Día de la Candelaria, or the Day of the Candles, February 2. Check out this recipe to make this delicious sweet bread on your own.
Three King’s Day: Three King’s Day is known as the F”east of the Epiphany” in the Roman Catholic Church. Epiphany, also known as “Theophany” in Eastern Christian tradition, is a Christian feast day commemorating the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding at Cana.
