In stores around Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, you will have seen round bread for sale called “Rosca de Reyes”, but do you know the tradition and meaning behind this delicious seasonal treat?
The Rosca de Reyes (The King’s Bread) is served on January 6th, in observance of the Epiphany (called Día de Reyes in Mexico), when Catholics commemorate the Three Wise Men arriving to visit Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The rosca is a sweet bread, baked in a circle and decorated with dried fruit and powered sugar on top. Baked inside are tiny dolls, meant to represent the baby Jesus. Friends and family will gather on Dia de Reyes and everyone will take a piece of the rosca, along with a cup of hot chocolate or atole, a hot corn beverage. The person who finds the baby Jesus in their piece of the rosca then has the responsibility of hosting a second party on Candlemas, February 2nd, and provide tamales for all the guests. This celebration on Candlemas marks the official end of the holiday season in Mexico.
If you own a property in Puerto Vallarta, adding the tradition of the Rosca de Reyes is a wonderful way to add some Mexican culture into your lifestyle.
Click here to learn more about Mexican traditions and living in Mexico from Tropicasa Realty.