Puerto Rico has many unique celebrations including Three Kings Day. More than just a holiday, it’s a celebration that expresses faith, family, cultural diversity, and a festive spirit. During this season, families gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional customs. Let’s explore this special day and what you can expect.
What Is Three Kings Day?
This convivial day is also known as Día de Los Reyes in Spanish (translating to “Day of the Kings”). Locals often shorten it to Día de Reyes, or simply Reyes. It’s a religious commemoration of the day when the three wise men, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, arrived with gifts for Baby Jesus.
This event is more than a religious or biblical celebration. It intertwines with culture to honor the Christ Child, His visitors, the Magi, and the first Christmas. Families practice various customs (like gift exchange and festive foods) that make this day unique.
When Is This Holiday Celebrated?
Although many end the Christmas season on December 25 (Christmas Day), it continues past that date in Puerto Rico. The West celebrates the 12 days of Christmas leading up to December 25. Instead, for 3 Kings Day, Puerto Rico celebrates 12 days leading up to January 6. This is the same day that the Catholic Church marks Epiphany.
Why Is Three Kings Day Celebrated in Puerto Rico?
Here’s why this day is celebrated in Puerto Rico:
Origin
This celebration has its roots in the Bible. Jesus Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem, and after His birth, three wise men visited Him bearing gifts. They gave the Christ Child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Explore homes for sale in Dorado, Puerto Rico.
How Does Puerto Rico Celebrate Three Kings Day? What to Expect
Let’s explore the unique holiday traditions:
Gather Hay for the Magi’s Horses
Día de Reyes is exciting for children in Puerto Rico. Every January 5th, children accompany their parents to cut fresh grass or hay and place them in shoeboxes. The children hide these shoeboxes under their beds for the Magi to collect food for their horses as they leave gifts behind. It’s similar to Santa Claus visiting homes, taking the cookies and milk, and leaving gifts.
The Magi are supposed to arrive on their horses while the children sleep. Since Puerto Rico is a tropical island with no camels, these kings are often shown as riding horses. Just as they brought gifts for Baby Jesus, these wise men would leave snacks inside the shoeboxes and presents nearby for the children.
Once the roosters start crowing in the morning, Puerto Rican families awake to their gifts. These gifts wouldn’t be wrapped, emphasizing that the Magi’s gifts originate from a kind and humble heart. Children enjoy these gifts with their families and the day of celebration begins.
Exchange Gifts
It’s not only children who receive gifts on Día de Reyes. Adults exchange gifts (albeit smaller than the Christmas ones) on this day. The popular gifts include handmade figurines of the Magi and saints, available in every souvenir shop on the island.
If you live in Puerto Rico (or visiting), you can enjoy this celebration with your family. There is so much more to see and experience in this tropical paradise. Adventure awaits on the East Coast, Puerto Rico.
Share Meals and Socialize
What is a holiday without food? It’s impossible! The most popular food is the King Cake. It’s an open circle or wreath studded with candy-coated foods representing the gems in the Magi’s crowns. A small figurine symbolizing Baby Jesus is hidden in a piece of this cake and whoever gets that piece wins a prize.
The festive menu includes pernil (slow-roasted, marinated pork shoulder or leg), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), arroz con dulce (rice pudding), and tembleque (coconut pudding).
This delectable menu also contains signature drinks like coquito (a cocktail of coconut milk, coconut cream, dark rum, condensed milk, and vanilla) and pitorro (a strong homemade rum).
Parrandas
Family and friends enjoy parrandas, or fun-filled gatherings that include singing and playing traditional Puerto Rican music. These groups move through neighborhoods like carolers, bringing joy to all. The frequent stops at neighboring homes mean sharing in snacks, food, and many sips of coquito!
Attend Parades and Festivals
Each Puerto Rican town has its parades and festivals during Día de Reyes. At many parades, people dress up as Los Tres Reyes, complete with kingly attire. These festivities are open to all, including visitors.
Do you want to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Día de Reyes? Then explore homes for sale in the beautiful West Coast, Puerto Rico.
Visiting the Museo de Los Santos Reyes
The Museo de Los Tres Santos Reyes (in Juana Díaz) is dedicated to the Magi or Los Tres Reyes. It was inaugurated in 2004 and consists of two buildings. The first contains mannequins dressed in Los Tres Reyes costumes, which were worn during a 2004 visit to the Vatican, where they were blessed by Pope John Paul II.
The second museum building contains artwork by local artists depicting the Magi. The downstairs exhibit changes during the year to display various artists’ work. The upstairs exhibit has other artwork, wood carvings, and sculptures of religious figures or Santos, which are central to Puerto Rican culture.
Experience Día de Reyes, Puerto Rico!
This holiday is best experienced in person. While you can visit, you’ll find that visiting is not enough. If you want to buy a home in Puerto Rico, then choosing a real estate agent is important.
The Colectivo Group is your best choice for real estate services. We are a local boutique real estate agency with experts from Puerto Rico. We know every community at the granular level and will guide you to the perfect home for your family and lifestyle.
Let’s talk about your move to Puerto Rico: Schedule your appointment today.