Roscas de Reyes: History and Tradition
The tradition of the Rosca de Reyes dates back several centuries to the south of France. Originally, families presented gifts to the Baby Jesus that included dried fruits, nuts, flour, honey, eggs, and other simple ingredients. To commemorate the Epiphany, some of these offerings were baked into a sweet, crown-shaped bread known as the Rosca de Reyes, or King’s Cake. This symbolic bread honors the Magi, or Three Wise Men, who traveled from the East to adore the newborn Christ.
According to tradition, the Three Wise Men searched for the Christ Child, which is why small plastic baby figurines are hidden inside the Rosca de Reyes. Sharing this bread has become a joyful family and friends’ gathering, centered on celebration, storytelling, and togetherness. If you are preparing to celebrate, you can find traditional items and ingredients for your celebration in the Rosca de Reyes collection.
Before cutting the rosca, it is customary to remind guests that one or two small plastic baby dolls are baked inside. Whoever finds a doll is considered blessed with good luck—but also receives an important responsibility. That person must host a gathering on February 2nd, known as Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day), offering tamales and Mexican hot chocolate to everyone who attended the Rosca de Reyes celebration.
The word rosca refers to any ring-shaped bread or cookie. Historically, friars used this sweet bread as a way to evangelize. The hidden baby figurine represents the infant Jesus, symbolizing how Mary and Joseph hid Him from King Herod’s troops on the Day of the Holy Innocents. Traditionally served on Three Kings Day, January 6th, the rosca marks the moment when children receive their gifts from the Reyes Magos.
The guest who finds the baby Jesus figurine is expected to provide the tamales and atole during the Candlemas celebration, continuing the tradition of sharing and hospitality that defines the season.
Epiphany and the Three Wise Men
The Feast of Epiphany, also known as the Adoration of the Magi or the Manifestation of God, is celebrated on January 6th. This day honors the Three Wise Men—Caspar (Gaspar), Melchior (Melchor), and Balthazar (Baltazar)—who followed a bright star to Bethlehem and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ Child. On the Christian calendar, this day is also known as Twelfth Night or Kings Day, and the Rosca de Reyes is often referred to as the bread of the kings.
Candlemas Day (Día de la Candelaria)
Día de la Candelaria is celebrated every year on February 2nd and is known as the Day of Light or Purification. It commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus at the temple. In Mexican tradition, this is the day when the Nativity scene is put away, and the person who found the baby Jesus in the Rosca de Reyes hosts a gathering. This host is also responsible for dressing the Baby Jesus figurine in a special christening outfit, known as a ropón.
Families and friends come together once again to enjoy tamales, hot chocolate, and atole, closing the holiday season in a warm and meaningful way. You can prepare for every step of the celebration by exploring authentic products in the Rosca de Reyes section at MexGrocer.
Rosca de Reyes Tradition Summary
The Rosca de Reyes is a ring-shaped sweet bread with a small baby doll baked inside, symbolizing the hiding of the infant Jesus from King Herod. Tradition says that whoever finds the doll must host a Candlemas celebration on February 2nd, offering tamales, hot chocolate, and atole to their guests. This time-honored custom continues to bring families together year after year, blending faith, culture, and the joy of sharing.