Three Kings Day (also called Epiphany or Día de Reyes) is a Christian holiday on January 6 that commemorates the visit of the three wise men (or magi) to the baby Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

What 3 Kings Day Is

Three Kings Day marks the moment Jesus is “revealed” to the wider world through the visit of the magi, seen as learned visitors from distant lands. In many traditions it is considered the official end of the Christmas season and is sometimes called the “12th Day of Christmas.”

Date and Names

  • Celebrated every year on January 6.
  • Also known as Epiphany , Día de los Reyes, or simply Día de Reyes in Spanish-speaking countries.
  • The “three kings” are often named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar in Christian tradition.

Religious Meaning

According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi followed the Star of Bethlehem to find Jesus in Bethlehem. Their costly gifts symbolize Jesus’ kingship (gold), divinity and worship (frankincense), and his future suffering and death (myrrh). Many Christians see the story as highlighting faith, hope, and charity, as the magi travel far in trust to honor Jesus.

How It’s Celebrated Today

  • Church services and blessings (especially in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant churches).
  • Special foods like “Rosca de Reyes” or “Roscón de Reyes” (a crown-shaped sweet bread with a hidden figurine) in Latin America and Spain.
  • Gift-giving, especially for children, who may receive presents on January 6 instead of or in addition to Christmas.
  • Parades and community events featuring people dressed as the three kings.

In some communities, including parts of Latin America, Spain, and Latino communities in the U.S., Three Kings Day remains one of the most anticipated and joyful days of the entire holiday season.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.