Hello everyone, welcome to Travel In Oaxaca this 2022, today I will tell you how the Three Kings Day is celebrated in Oaxaca, this festivity is what closes the Christmas season.
HOW DID IT COME ABOUT?
This festivity arose based on the Gospel of St. Matthew that tells how some magi (astrologers) arrived in Bethlehem to offer gifts to the baby Jesus, although it is not known exactly how many there were, it was thought that there were 3 because of the amount of gifts.
In the Middle Ages, more importance began to be given to this tradition and at this time the names Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar were born. In some parts of Europe, on January 6, their initials were written on the doors to defend themselves from curses.
Over time this tradition evolved and more elements were added, even each family or area (originally from Europe and later from the countries conquered by the Spanish and other Europeans) generated their own traditions, one of them is the rosca de Reyes which is a large oval bread that is decorated with fruits, shell bread and even chocolate.
HOW IS IT CELEBRATED IN OAXACA?
The tradition arrived to Oaxaca when the Spanish arrived in Mexico, like many or all traditions and customs it was modified in each part of the country.
In Mexico the tradition of the rosca is different from Spain, inside there is one or more plastic dolls, and if you get one you must pay for the tamales on Candlemas Day.
On January 5th at night the Three Wise Men arrive if you send your letter or leave it on or next to your shoe in the nativity scene, on January 6th the children see their gifts that arrived from the Three Wise Men.
Thanks for staying until the end, remember to follow me on social networks, share and comment if you know any other tradition of this holiday.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)