The Christmas season continues in Mexico through Epiphany, which is called Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day). Commemorating the arrival in Bethlehem of Wise Men bearing gifts for the baby Jesus, children throughout Mexico anxiously await waking up January 6 to find toys and gifts left by the Reyes Magos (Magi).Another custom in some areas it is customary to leave out shoes where treasures and smaller toys may be deposited by the visiting Wise Men.
A special treat served one this day is the Rosca de Reyes -- a crown-shaped sw
eet bread decorated with jewel-like candied fruits, kind of a twist on the old brick-heavy pound cake for everyone else.
Tiny figures of babies are hidden in the dough before baking. The high point of the dinner is when each family member cuts his or her own slice, for whoever gets a piece containing a baby is obliged to host another party on or before Candlemas, February 2, when Mexico's holiday season finally comes to an end. Remember in Mexico there is never a reason NOT to celebrate something.
When we were building the house about 14 years ago, it was interesting to hear the reasons for not having the workers show up for work. Some were valid and a lot more were based on "Celebrations" of holidays......
As I mentioned before the Old Ruskies, and some new ones also celebrate this event, since Orthodox Russians use the other calendar thereby skewing events to later dates. For that story check last years blog at http://ranchocanyon.blogspot.com/2009/01/merry-christmas-and-happy-new-yearagain.html
So for your believers Merry Christmas again, and a Prosperous New Year to all!
If you would like a reciepe of the bread you can go to our recipe site: Los Reyes Bread
