Epiphany

Franz von Rohden - Nativity

It is a tradition that Latin countries put more emphasis on the feast of the Epiphany than on Christmas Day. The Feast of Epiphany is traditionally Italy’s and Spain's main festive holiday, when children receive their presents brought not by Santa Claus, but by the Three Kings. On "El Día de los Reyes" Spain and Latin American countries celebrate the biblical adoration of baby Jesus by the three Kings, also known as the three Wise Men or Magi. In a 2015 survey, Spanish children overwhelmingly chose the Three Kings as their favorite gift giver (67 percent) over Santa Claus (27 percent). 

In Spain ‘Los Reyes Magos’ - Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar - play a similar role to Santa Claus in many other parts of the world. Spanish children write letters to the Three Kings, or Three Wise Men, who then bring the children gifts the night before, or on the morning of the Epiphany. In some houses children leave their shoes outside the door so that the Three Kings will fill them with gifts, often leaving bigger presents alonsgide. Live processions are held in many cities, with live camels and three men dressed elaborately as Kings.

An Epiphany procession which frequently includes live camels

On January 6th, Spaniards typically tuck into a Roscón de Reyes, a Three Kings cake baked in a ring and decorated with candied fruit and hiding a, sometimes lucrative, surprise. A small figurine of the baby Jesus, or a little toy for children, is typically hidden inside the dough, as is a dry fava bean. Whoever finds the toy is crowned king or queen of the celebration, while the one who finds the bean has to buy the Roscón next year.

Another tradition involves men leaping into freezing water to retrieve a crucifix thrown by a priest. The winner becomes an instant hero, and probably spends a week in bed recovering from pneumonia, as do all the other swimmers.