THE 3 WISE MEN / THE THREE KINGS DAY

Today is 6th January and in Spain and some Spanish-speaking countries like Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Philippines, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic people celebrate THE THREE WISE MEN DAY.
According to Christian tradition, the wise men came from the Orient  and visited Bethlehem on their camels to give baby Jesus three symbolic presents: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Each one of the Kings is supposed to represent one different continent, Europe (Melchior), Asia (Caspar) and Africa (Balthasar).  

In Spain, the Three Kings receive letters from children and bring them presents on the night of January 5th, like Santa Claus with his reindeer in English speaking countries. They have servants to help and they visit everyone in one night. Children prepare some food and drink for the kings and for the camels too and go to bed early that night. In lots of cities there are cabalgatas in the evening. The kings and their servants parade and throw sweets to the children (and parents). The cavalcade of the three kings in the town of Alcoy (Alicante) claims to be the oldest in the world, having started in 1886.

People eat 'Roscón de Reyes'. It's a cake decorated with dried or candied fruits (cherries, orange...). In the roscón there is a small figure and a dried bean. The person who finds the small figure can wear the crown and the person who finds the dried bean has to pay for next year's 'roscón'. It's delicious! Yummy!

Do you have a favourite Wise Man/King to bring your presents? Who is he? Melchior, Caspar or Balthasar?

Write a comment and tell me.