Two CFCA projects explain the Three Kings Day celebrations
taking place on Jan. 6: In most parts of Mexico, they believe
that the Three Kings, or the Magi ó traditionally Melchor,
Gaspar and Baltazar ó visit the homes at dawn on Jan. 6 to leave
gifts for children who have behaved well throughout the year.
Children write letters to the Magi asking for the toys they
would like. This tradition is based on the Biblical passage
where the three kings brought the child Jesus gold, incense and
myrrh (Matthew 2:11). Children in Cuernavaca, Mexico, wait to
partake of the traditional ìRosca de Reyes,î or Kings Cake ñ a
bread with sugar and crystallized fruit. Days before Jan. 6,
parents buy gifts and hide them from the children so they are
surprised and believe the kings brought the gifts. On Jan. 6,
the children wake up early, impatient and thrilled to find the
gifts left for them. The children play with their toys all day
long with their siblings and friends. Families, offices,
schools, neighbors, friends ñ in short,