Celebrating Three Kings Day: Honoring Faith, Culture, and Community in Our Catholic Schools

Written by Maria Del Amo, director of Hispanic and Latino engagement, NCEA, maria@ncea.org

Every January 6, Hispanic and Latino communities around the world celebrate El Día de Los Reyes Magos—a feast rooted in scripture, filled with wonder, and cherished across generations. For many families, this day holds as much cultural and spiritual importance as Christmas, marking the moment when the Magi followed the star to adore the Christ Child.

For Catholic schools, Three Kings Day offers a beautiful opportunity to honor cultural traditions, strengthen belonging, and celebrate the universal story of God made manifest to all nations.

Why Three Kings Day Matters in Hispanic and Latino Communities

For millions across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain, Three Kings Day is the heart of the Christmas season. Children eagerly await the arrival of the Reyes Magos, families prepare traditional foods, and communities reenact the journey of the Magi through pageants, parades, and prayer services.

Its importance stems from three key elements:

1. A Celebration of Faith Rooted in Scripture

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”
“They were overjoyed at seeing the star… they prostrated themselves and did him homage.”
—Matthew 2:1–2, 10–11

The visit of the Magi—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—tells the story of three wise seekers who traveled far to honor the newborn King. Each brought a gift rich in symbolism:

• Melchior offered gold, recognizing Jesus as King.
• Gaspar offered frankincense, honoring His divinity.
• Balthazar offered myrrh, foreshadowing His sacrificial love.

Their visit affirms that Christ came for all peoples, a truth central to the Epiphany and deeply woven into Hispanic spirituality.

2. A Cultural Tradition Passed Down with Love

From placing grass in shoeboxes for the camels, to preparing Rosca de Reyes with family, to waking up at dawn to see what the Magi brought—these traditions are expressions of faith lived at home. 

Children fill shoeboxes with grass or hay as a gesture of hospitality for the camels—much like leaving cookies and milk for St. Nick on Christmas Eve.

Families gather around the table to share the Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread shaped like a crown that symbolizes the Kings and the journey to find the Christ Child. Hidden inside is a small figurine of baby Jesus, reminding families of the Holy Family’s story and inviting whoever finds it to host a gathering on el Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas).

These beloved rituals pass down cultural identity and create joyful memories that connect faith, family, and tradition.

3. A Marker of Cultural Belonging

For Hispanic and Latino children in the U.S., seeing their school honor this feast communicates: Your traditions matter. Your culture belongs here. Your story enriches our community.

When schools uplift Día de Los Reyes, they affirm students’ identities and help them feel valued within both their culture and their Catholic community.

How Catholic Schools Can Celebrate Three Kings Day (Even if It’s Not a U.S. Holiday)

Although January 6 is not widely recognized as a holiday in the United States, Catholic schools can still celebrate this feast in meaningful and joyful ways:

1. Host a Three Kings Prayer Service or School Assembly – Reflect on the journey of the Magi, the meaning of the gifts, and how we each bring our gifts to Christ.
2. Invite Los Reyes Magos to Visit Campus – Staff or volunteers can dress as the Kings and greet students during morning drop off or share blessings.
3. Share the Rosca de Reyes Tradition – Offer Rosca in classrooms or during lunch and explain its symbolism.
4. Create Cultural Learning Stations or Classroom Activities – Write letters to the Kings, learn songs and stories from various countries, or explore the symbolism of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
5. Celebrate a “Gift of Kindness Week” – Invite students to follow the example of the Magi by offering gifts of service, compassion, and prayer.

By celebrating this feast, schools promote cultural understanding and foster a sense of belonging rooted in our shared Catholic faith.

How Different Countries Celebrate El Día de Los Reyes Magos

Traditions vary across Latin America, yet all share a spirit of joy, family, and deep faith. In several countries—especially those with European influence—the day is known primarily as La Epifanía (Epiphany), marking Christ’s revelation to the world.

Whether called Epiphany or Día de Reyes, the heart of the celebration is the same: the Magi encountering Jesus and recognizing Him as Savior.

Here are a few examples:

1. Mexico: Families share Rosca de Reyes, attend community festivities, and children often receive gifts.
2. Puerto Rico: Children gather grass for the camels and place it under their beds. Parades, music, and Asaltos Navideños keep the season alive.
3. Dominican Republic: Festive gatherings, gift-giving, and outdoor community celebrations.
4. Cuba: Historically significant day with gifts and cultural events.
5. Spain: One of the most important holidays of the year, highlighted by elaborate Cabalgatas (Three Kings parades) on January 5.
6. Venezuela: Children leave shoes by the door to receive treats from the Magi.
7. Guatemala: Community celebrations, parades, and Epiphany Mass.
8. Argentina: Children leave water and grass for the camels next to their shoes.
9. Colombia: Families honor Epiphany with Mass and traditions focused on the Magi’s gifts.

Each celebration reinforces a shared cultural message: God meets His people in their stories, languages, and traditions.

Closing Reflection

Incorporating Three Kings Day into school life is more than a cultural activity—it’s a way of honoring the full richness of the Body of Christ. When students see their heritage celebrated, they feel seen, valued, and loved.

By embracing El Día de Los Reyes Magos, Catholic schools affirm a powerful truth:

Our faith is universal, our cultures are gifts, and our diversity strengthens our community.

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