The three Kings-Los tres Reyes Magos

Students learned yet another tradition that many countries, including Mexico, celebrate on January 6. On this day some Latin American countries celebrate Los Tres Reyes Magos like we celebrate Santa Claus on Christmas Day. My students and I watched a video about what happens on the day when the three Kings came to visit baby Jesus on January the 6th. The Three Kings (Los Tres Reyes Magos) bring gifts to children in many parts of the world. Children get up early in the morning on January 6th looking for gifts under their beds, inside their shoes, and or under their Christmas tree. In addition to receiving presents, children in some cultures decorate paper crowns and wear them along with a purple costume to parade as kings. The adults also have a tradition for the day around La Rosca. La Rosca is sweet bread in the shape of a wreath.  Inside the bread is a little figurine of baby Jesus.  Everyone watches as the adults cut a piece of bread for themselves.  If their piece of bread contains the baby Jesus figurine, then they are responsible for having a party the next month. I hope you can imagine how these traditions can generate a lot of fun.

On January 6, I wanted my students to experience this tradition that many people still practice today. Some of my students were able to decorate of the crown, the cut the Rosca, and, of course, eat the sweet Rosca bread. They had fun learning about the Three Kings.