Three Kings’ Day is one of the most traditional celebrations in the Christian and cultural calendar in many countries around the world. Every Jan. 6, millions of people commemorate the arrival of the three wise men from the East at the manger where Jesus was born — a story that has gone beyond religion to become a date marked by faith, tradition, and, in many places, the giving of gifts to children.
Although in some countries Christmas has taken on greater prominence, Three Kings’ Day remains deeply rooted in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Africa, where it continues to hold strong symbolic and historical value.
The origin of Three Kings’ Day
The origin of this celebration dates back to the biblical account in the Gospel of Matthew, which tells how wise men from the East followed a star to Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn Jesus. These figures would later become known as the Three Wise Men: Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar.
According to Christian tradition, the Wise Men brought three gifts rich in symbolism: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold represented Jesus’ kingship; frankincense symbolized his divinity; and myrrh foreshadowed his humanity and the suffering he would endure. This episode gave rise to what the Church calls the Epiphany — a word meaning “manifestation,” understood as the moment when Jesus is revealed to the world.
Over the centuries, this religious commemoration blended with popular customs. In the Middle Ages, especially in Europe, theatrical performances, parades, and rituals in honor of the Three Kings began to emerge. From then on, the date evolved into a day also dedicated to children and the joy of receiving gifts — a tradition that took strong root in Spain and later spread to Latin America.
Why is it celebrated on Jan. 6?
Three Kings’ Day is celebrated on Jan. 6 because, according to Christian tradition, this is the date when the Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem, 12 days after the birth of Jesus, which is commemorated on Dec. 25. In the liturgical calendar, this day marks the official end of the Christmas season.
Beyond its religious meaning, the date became an opportunity to reinforce values such as generosity, solidarity, and hope. In many households, children write letters to the Three Kings asking for gifts — a custom that in some countries plays a role similar to that of Santa Claus at Christmas.
A celebration with global reach
Three Kings’ Day is not a celebration limited to one country. It is observed in many parts of the world, though under different names and traditions. In Spain, for example, it is one of the most important dates of the year: On the night of Jan. 5, massive parades known as “cabalgatas” take place in major cities, where the Three Kings ride through the streets throwing sweets to children.
@madrid4u CABALGATA DE REYES 2026 👑 Un pequeño resumen de lo que pudimos ver en la Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos en Madrid ✨ fue mágico 🤩 ¿Fuiste a verla? ¿Han pasado por tu casa? 🤭 #madrid #planesmadrid #cabalgata #reyesmagos ♬ sonido original – Madrid4U
In Latin America, countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic keep the tradition alive. In Mexico, Jan. 6 is marked by sharing the traditional Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread that contains hidden figurines and brings families and friends together around the table.
In Colombia, although the celebration has lost some prominence compared to Christmas, customs such as giving small gifts to children or holding family gatherings remain.
In other parts of the world, including some communities in Central Europe and Africa, Epiphany is also commemorated with religious services, processions, and cultural festivals.
Tradition, faith, and cultural relevance
Despite changes in social dynamics and the rise of other commercial celebrations, Three Kings’ Day continues to hold deep symbolic value. It represents not only a central episode of Christian tradition but also a cultural legacy that has managed to adapt to different eras and contexts.
Today, beyond its religious dimension, this celebration remains a moment to strengthen family bonds, revive childhood wonder, and remember a story that, for more than 2,000 years, has been part of the collective memory of millions of people around the world.