Day of the three wise men is a tradition that is celebrated starting on January fifth by putting your shoe on the birth of Jesus so that the kings bring you gifts. On January sixth, the children wake up excited to learn that the kings have given them toys and a Christmas gift. This tradition is religious and many Latinos celebrate it. In Mexico they hold parades and parties in the towns to celebrate that the kings have brought gifts to Jesus. In some places, the Three Kings’ Day is celebrated and at Christmas no gifts are given.

The kings are Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar. They gifted Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The kings on their camels followed a star to reach the manger in Bethlehem.

On January sixth, families cut bread as a reminder of the surprise that the kings gave baby Jesus. There are little monkeys hidden in the bread and when you cut your piece you have to check if the little monkey comes out. If you get the monkey, you will have to prepare the food for the candlelight day. The day of three wise men is a day for families to be together and remember baby Jesus.