On January 6th, in observance of the Epiphany (called Día de Reyes in Mexico), Catholics commemorate the Three Wise Men arriving to visit Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. An important part of this celebration is enjoying a Rosca del Reyes with family and friends, but do you know the meaning behind this delicious holiday treat?
You have likely seen roscas, a sweet bread, baked in a circle and decorated with dried fruit and powered sugar, in grocery stores and bakeries around Puerto Vallarta. Baked inside the bread are small plastic figures meant to represent the baby Jesus. As friends and family gather on Dia de Reyes, the rosca is cut and everyone takes a piece to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate or atole, a hot corn beverage. Whoever finds a baby Jesus in their piece of bread will host a second party on Candlemas, February 2nd, and provide tamales for all the guests. This Candlemas celebration marks the official end of the holiday season in Mexico.
Why not bring the tradition of the Rosca de Reyes to your Puerto Vallarta home and add a delicious part of Mexican culture into your lifestyle.
Click here to learn more about Mexican traditions.