January 6 is one of the most anticipated days of the year for children in many countries of the world. The Three Kings Day in Argentina It is also a magical and special date, the long-awaited day when Melchior Caspar and Balthazar they bring gifts to the smallest of the house.
It is true that it is not a unique tradition in this country. As is known, it is a custom that is based on the history explained in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, that of the Reyes Magos de Oriente who traveled following the star of Bethlehem to pay tribute to the baby Jesus. The tradition of gifts on this day tries to emulate the presents that the kings brought him: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Many countries in the Christian world celebrate this day. The date of January 6, also known as Epiphany Day, is festive in many European countries of Catholic tradition such as Austria, Belgium, Spain, Poland or Germany. The Germans also presume to house the remains of the three Kings in their territory, which would be buried under the floor of the Cologne Cathedral.
However, it is in Spain where this festival is lived with greater intensity, with the famous Cavalcades of Kings and the classic roscon. It was precisely the Spanish who exported this party to the other side of the Atlantic. In America, January 6 found a strong hold in countries such as Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, Uruguay or the Dominican Republic. And of course also in Argentina.
Today the Anglo-Saxon tradition of Santa Claus has prevailed almost everywhere in the world. However, there are still many countries where the tradition of the gifts of Kings continues or even coexists with that of Santa Claus.
King's Night
Before talking about Three Kings Day in Argentina, we must talk about an excited wait that culminates on the eve, the magical King's Night.
The tradition of the Three Kings Day gifts comes from the New Testament Adoration of the Magi.
As in other countries in the world, children write a letter to Santa Claus With a wish list, Argentine children also do the same with the Magi from the East, writing and putting the letter in the mailbox. "Letter to the Kings". The gifts will not arrive on Christmas Day, but a little later, on the morning of January 6.
For everything to go as expected, it is important that the children do not forget to leave some water and food for the long-suffering camels on which the Magi are riding. It is also necessary to place the shoes in the window of the room or under the Christmas tree.
Then you have to go to bed and try to sleep despite the logical nerves of waiting. The next day the gifts will appear on the shoes.
Three Kings Day in Argentina: sweets and gifts
There is no more exciting time for a child than the morning of Three Kings Day in Argentina! Little ones get up early to discover and open the long-awaited gifts. It is already known that those who have behaved best throughout the year will be the ones who receive the best gifts. But don't worry: the Three Wise Men do not forget any child.
In the main cities it is possible to find shows where kings can give gifts to children. Even in many neighborhoods the tradition of organizing the delivery of gifts is maintained.
The Rosca de Reyes is the delicacy that culminates the feast of Three Kings Day in Argentina
January 6 is also a day to get together as a family and enjoy food in a joyful atmosphere. At the end of lunch, it is time to fulfill another delicious tradition: that of the Rosca de Reyes, which all Argentine bakeries and pastry shops sell during the days leading up to the party. The Three Kings Day thread in Argentina is somewhat smaller than it is eaten in Mexico or Spain, for example. Furthermore, it does not contain any "surprises" (beans, beans or figurines of the Kings), as is customary in these countries.
The Rosca de Reyes in its Argentine version is ring-shaped and covered with pastry cream, candied fruits and sugar pearls. The idea is to emulate the look of a royal crown. It is the last act of the Christmas holidays. A sweet end point to make the return to routine and the work of disassembling the Tree and collecting the lights and decoration of the house more bearable.
Despite the passage of time (and the competition from Santa Claus), the custom of Three Kings Day has not lost its importance, and much less for the little ones, who continue to enjoy it.