El Día de Reyes

Cath Russell

What about presents?

The fun and excitement for Spanish children comes on the 6th of January.

The Three Kings

On the 6th of January we remember that three Kings visited Jesus and brought Him gifts

Alcoy In Alcoy on the 4th of January an

ambassador arrives to announce that the Kings are coming. (The festival in Alcoy is the oldest one, first recorded in 1866.)

Letters to the Kings

Children write letters to the Kings asking for the gift that they most want to receive.

Queridos Reyes Magos,

Como este año he sido muy bueno y obediente, he hecho siempre los deberes y no he peleado con mis hermanos, quiero que me traigaís un mini iPod.

Muchas gracias,

Carlota XXX

Posting letters

The children post their letters in the saddlebags of the ambassador’s donkeys

Reading the letters

The Kings read the letters that night to be sure to bring the right gifts.

The night of the 5th of January

At dusk on the 5th January the three Kings arrive in procession on camels with all their royal servants. They throw sweets to the waiting children.

Pajes

The servants or “pajes” climb the balconies to distribute gifts and sweets.

How do I get my presents?

Before they go to bed Spanish children place their shoes on the balcony instead of hanging stockings.

Don’t forget the Kings!

Children also leave special biscuits called “polvorones”, milk or wine for the Kings and water and bread for the camels.

Día de Reyes

On the 6th of January (the Día de Reyes) the children in Spain find the gifts that the Kings have brought them.

For naughty children

If you’ve been naughty during the year you can expect to receive some coal! If you’re lucky it could be sweet, the kind you can eat!

Special food!

On the 6th of January every family eats “roscón”. This is a special cake shaped like a ring.

¡El Rey eres tú!

The cake contains a tiny doll or figurine. If you get the surprise in your slice you are King for the day!

FIN