Also known as The Epiphany, Three Kings Day (“El Dia de los Reyes”) is celebrated 12

Also known as The Epiphany, Three Kings Day (“El Dia de los Reyes”) is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on Jan. 6, and many Hispanic people recognize the annual Christian celebration as the last day of the Christmas season. Some facts about the occasion:

People commemorate the biblical story of the three kings (Caspar, Balthazar and Melchior) who follow the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold to the Christ child.

Many children leave their shoes out the night before, often filling them with hay for the camels and hoping the three kings will be generous.

Youngsters awake the next morning to find their shoes filled with gifts.

Families typically share the Rosca de Reyes, a crown-shaped sweet bread decorated with pieces of lime and orange, and filled with cherries, figs and nuts. It’s often served with hot chocolate.

Many families say prayers and have the aroma of blessed dried herbs fill their homes the day before. Doorways are sprinkled with holy water.

Other activities include playing games with children, listening to music, dancing and re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to give birth.

Sources: serve.com, calendar-updates.com