The History & Traditions Behind Three Kings Day

There’s a new study that is exposing when kids are allowed to misbehave. Yup, apparently Santa Clause takes a break from tracking kids behavior from December 25th to January 1st, allowing children 6 full days to misbehave!

Where is this study coming from? Grizz. So, it’s more of a personal study, but after revealing these details on Iris & Grizz in the Morning, one El Paso parent was quick to prove this study wrong.

Courtesy: CANVA

Bianca chimed in reminding us that we are forgetting another important Spanish tradition that would require children to still behave: Los Reyes Magos.

Who are Los Reyes Magos aka The Three Kings:

These legendary figures take center stage during the Spanish winter holidays, bringing gifts to kids on the night of January 5, just in time for Three Kings Day.

"According to Christian tradition, three wise men came to visit the newborn baby Jesus shortly after his birth. Their names were Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, and they came with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

While Santa has gained some ground in recent years, Los Reyes Magos still reign supreme. Think parades, feasts, and a sweet treat with a royal twist.

Here’s why this tradition is worth celebrating:

January 5: Parade Extravaganza

The fun kicks off with the Cabalgata de Los Reyes Magos, dazzling parades featuring floats, camels, dancers, and candy galore.

Kids and adults alike catch sweets raining down from the Kings themselves—sometimes with upside-down umbrellas for maximum haul!

CANVA

January 6: Gift Time!

Much like Santa, Los Reyes Magos deliver gifts while kids sleep, leaving presents for the nice and coal for the naughty. Plates of treats for the Kings and hay for their camels are a must!

For my family, we would leave our shoes outside of our bedroom and wake up the next morning to money in our shoes! That was our gift from the Three wise men.

CANVA

The Roscón de Reyes

No Three Kings Day feast is complete without the Roscón de Reyes, a crown-shaped cake topped with candied jewels. Hidden inside? A plastic baby Jesus! Find the baby, and you have to throw a party in February!