Twelve days after Christmas, the Church invites us to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The Epiphany of the Lord is the Christian holiday that celebrates the manifestation of Jesus as universal Savior, revealed to the world through the visit of the Three Wise Men, who recognized Him as the Messiah. It is celebrated every January 6 and, in many countries, it is popularly known as Three Kings’ Day.
The word epiphany comes from the Greek epipháneia and means “manifestation” or “appearance.” In ancient times it was used to refer to the arrival of a king or the appearance of a divinity. In ancient times, it referred to the arrival of a king or the visible presence of a divinity. In this sense, the Epiphany celebrates that Christ reveals Himself not only to the Jewish people, but also to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi from the East.
For this reason, Pope Benedict XVI described Three Kings’ Day as:
the coming of the “true light” into the world, which makes men and women children of God.
Across the world, the Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated with joy and hope. In this article, we explore some of the most meaningful Three Kings’ Day traditions from different countries—customs that reflect the joy of salvation offered to all nations.
Three Kings Parade
On the eve of January 6 (Three Kings Night), Spanish and Latin American cities organize large parades with floats and participants dressed as the Three Wise Men throwing candy to the children.
Something similar occurs in Poland, where Three Kings Day is celebrated with public processions known as Orszak Trzech Króli (Three Kings Parade). In the main cities and towns, thousands of faithful march through the streets behind a large Star of Bethlehem, accompanied by actors dressed as the Three Wise Men, angels, and shepherds.
These groups walk to a large Nativity scene installed outdoors, sing carols, and finally adore the Child Jesus. At the beginning of the march, each participant receives a colored paper crown; the atmosphere is festive and familiar.
This event, which began a decade ago, is one of the largest street Nativity scenes in the world, bringing together more than a million people each year.
Gifts from the Three Kings
In Spain and Latin America, at the end of the parade, children leave their shoes next to the Nativity scene, the tree, or the bed with a little water and food for the camels, trusting that the Magi will arrive at night with the gifts while the children sleep. At dawn on Three Kings Day, homes are filled with excitement as they discover the gifts that the Magi have left.
Families usually gather afterward for a special breakfast, sharing rosca or sweet bread, keeping alive the warm, family-centered spirit of this feast.
In the Philippines, Three Kings’ Day is known as Pasko ng Matatanda (Feast of the Elders). On this day children visit their grandparents and older relatives to show respects and receive small symbolic gifts.
- You may be interested in: Devotion to the mysteries of the Childhood of Jesus
King Cake / Rosca de Reyes
In Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Puerto Rico a beloved tradition is sharing the King Cake (Rosca de Reyes Whoever finds the figurine (or bean) in their slice is symbolically crowned “king” for the day, receives a paper crown, and traditionally commits to hosting the Candlemas celebration on February 2.
The King Cake symbolizes family unity and marks the closing of the Christmas season. It also represents the encounter between the Three Wise Men and the Christ Child.
Similar desserts exist in countries like France and Italy, each with local variations.
La Befana
In Italy, the central figure is not the Kings, but La Befana, a kindly elderly woman, a kind elderly woman often depicted as a broom-riding witch who visits the children on the night of January 5. According to legend, the Magi invited her to join them in searching for the Child Jesus, but she refused because she was busy with her houseold chores and. Later filled with regret, she set out to look for Him, giving sweets to every child she met along the way, hoping one of them might be the Messiah.
On the night of January 5, children hang stockings to receive candies—or the famous “coal” (now made of sugar) if they misbehaved.
Also in Italian cities host fairs and festivities on Epiphany. In Rome, for example, a colorful Christmas market dedicated to La Befana fills Piazza Navona, drawing families and visitors from around the world.
Blessing of homes
In Germany and Poland, the most distinctive tradition is that of the Star Singers. Groups of children (usually between December 27 and January 6) dress in robes and crowns, carry a large star, and go from house to house singing carols and praying for God’s blessing upon each home.. In return, they collect donations for charity.
Before leaving, they mark the doorframe with chalk, writing C+M+B (initials of the Kings or of the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat, “May Christ bless this home”) along with the current year in chalk on the lintel.
Eastern and Orthodox traditions
In countries of Orthodox tradition,with Orthodox Christian traditions, the focus of Epiphany is not the Magi, but on the Baptism of Jesus, often celebrated as the Theophany.
For example, in Ethiopia and Eritrea they celebrate Timkat (usually on January 19 due to the Julian calendar). It is a massive festival where the Tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) are taken in procession to water sources to be blessed. There, the faithful renew their baptismal vows in a celebration full of music and dance.
On the other hand, in Greece and the Balkans a priest throws a wooden cross into the sea or a river, and brave young men dive into the icy waters to recover it; it is believed that whoever finds it will have health and blessing throughout the year.
In Russia and Ukraine the faithful perform the Epiphany bath, immersing themselves three times in holes cut in the ice of frozen rivers to purify the soul.
Devotion to Saint Balthazar
In Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, in addition to gifts, the cult of San Baltasar (or Santo Kambá) stands out, especially in Corrientes. This tradition of Afro-descendant origin celebrates the “black saint” with dances such as the charanda and candombe.
Similarly, in Chile and other parts of America, the Pascua de los Negros is remembered, a holiday that was historically given to slaves on January 6.
- You may be interested in: Shrine of the Three Kings (Cologne Cathedral, Germany)
Let us ask the Lord for the grace to live the Feast of the Epiphany by imitating the joy and faith of the Magi, who, after a long journey, found Him and recognized Him as their King, God, and Savior. May every tradition of this feast reflect the joy of the Magi upon encountering the Messiah.
Do you want to experience Christmas with devotion? Here are some articles that may help you do so:
The Meaning of the Christmas Tree: Discover the Christian symbolism behind the Christmas tree.
5 Beautiful Prayers to the Divine Child Jesus: Meditate on the mystery of the Lord’s childhood and ask for his graces with these prayers.
Is Saint Nicholas of Bari Santa Claus?: Learn about the history of the bishop who gave rise to Santa Claus.
What Is the Epiphany of the Lord?: Celebrate with joy the manifestation of salvation to all peoples.
When do the Three Wise Men arrive: on January 5 or 6?
The Three Wise Men arrive symbolically during the night of January 5 and the early morning of the 6th. For this reason, tradition indicates that children should leave their shoes and grass for the camels the night before, to find the gifts on the morning of January 6.
What exactly is celebrated on January 6?
The Solemnity of the Epiphany is celebrated, a word that means “manifestation”. It is the moment in which Jesus is revealed to the pagan world (the non-Jews), represented by the wise men from the East.
What does the Bible say about the story of the Three Wise Men?
The only biblical record is in the Gospel of Matthew (2, 1-12). The original text does not mention that they were “kings”, nor that there were “three”, nor does it give their names; it simply describes them as “magi” or wise men from the East who followed a star.
Why do we believe that there were three and that they had those names?
The number three was made official in the 5th century by Pope Leo I, based on the number of gifts offered (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). The names Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar appeared for the first time in chronicles of the 8th century and in mosaics of the 6th century in Ravenna.
When should the Rosca or Roscón de Reyes be cut?
Custom dictates cutting it on January 6, coinciding with the feast of the Epiphany. However, in many homes it begins to be tasted from the snack or dinner on the 5th, after the parades or processions.
