January is here and, as the culmination of the Christmas celebrations, we celebrate the traditional Noche de Reyes Magos (Night of the Three Wise Men) Although in most countries it is Santa Claus who brings Christmas gifts, here, following our Catholic tradition, the Three Wise Men( or Los Reyes Magos) from the East, who take centre stage during the Christmas
holidays, since they bring the gifts to everyone on the night of January 5th to 6th.
How do we celebrate it in Gaucín?
A few days before “the big day“ the Royal Postman (Cartero Real) comes to collect the letters written by the children with their wishes.
On January 5th, a parade takes place throughout the town to celebrate the arrival of the kings , in which all the families with their kids participate. These parades are truly a sight to behold! Along with the Villa de Gaucín band, people dressed as shepherds and royal page boys, The Three Wise Man ride horses accompanied by eleborate and colourful floats. They
throw goodies, usually candy or sweets, down to the children. Some adults even get in on the fun and open their doors wide as the procession passes by to catch as much candy as possible!
At night the children go to bed full of hope and excitement for the arrival of Three Kings Day.
On January 6th, Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) after opening the gifts from Los Reyes Magos and visit relatives where the Three Wise Men have also left gifts, it’s time to enjoy a lunch comprised of multiple courses and plenty of post-meal chatter, known as sobremesa. But, just be sure to save room for dessert: the traditional Roscón de Reyes. (Three Kings Day cake)
The crown jewel of the Los Reyes Magos celebration is exactly that: a crown-shaped dessert decorated with candy “jewels.” This is the Roscón de Reyes, a sweet bread-like cake often filled with cream and topped with dried fruits.
In addition, you’ll find two plastic-wrapped figurines inside the roscón: a dried fava bean and a small king-shaped figurine. Whoever gets the slice of the cake with the small king is the “king” or “queen” of the banquet. As a result, this person will have good luck for the rest of the year. The roscones come with a paper or cardboard crown for this person to wear.
On the other hand, whoever finds the fava bean, according to tradition,
has to pay for the roscón the next year!
If you happen to be in Gaucín around Three Kings Day, make sure to try the traditional Roscón de Reyes. Ask in advance in the local food stablishments of the village.
¡FELIZ DÍA REYES!
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