El Dia De Reyes, January 6th, is the traditional Mexican celebration of the Epiphany, the day when the Three Wise Men followed the star to Bethlehem and arrived bearing treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In Mexico City, in the evenings before January 6th, families go to the Alameda, a park that is filled with stands offering food, toys, and scenic displays where pictures can be taken with the Wise Men. Helium balloons are sold here with a special purpose in mind.

Just as American children write to Santa, these children write letters to the Wise Men or Rey Mago: Melchor, Gaspar, or Baltasar asking for presents they would like to receive. The letters are attached to the balloons and released into the night sky taking their wishes with them.

On the night of January 5th, children place the Three Wise Men into the nativity scene so that gifts can be placed in them overnight. Others will also put out hay and a bucket with water for the animals that carry the Wise Men, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar – much like we leave cookies for Santa!

Everyone wakes early the next morning to open their presents and begin preparation for Merienda de Reyes – an early evening dinner that friends and families share to celebrate the Epiphany.

The feast of Merienda de Reyes is a truly multicultural event; Spaniards originally brought the tradition of celebrating the Epiphany to the New World. Bakeries stock up on Rosca de Reyes, an oval sweetbread, decorated with candied fruit, as it is a key to the celebration.

Rosca is traditionally served along with tamales and hot chocolate. Hidden inside this delicious Rosca, is a plastic figurine of the Baby Jesus. The Baby is hidden because it symbolizes the need to find a secure place where Jesus could be born, a place where King Herod would not find Him.

Each person slices the Rosca and checks to see if they have the figurine. If they do, then they host the Candelaria or Candle Mass on February 2, which is the final celebration of this holiday season.