While Key Biscayne kids got a jump start on celebrating Three Kings Day — Día de los Reyes Magos — on Monday at the annual Three Kings Parade at Paradise Park, as hundreds of kids gathered to take pictures with the Three Kings, did crafts and munched on traditional snacks.
The Island’s annual event is organized by the eXpats Club.
The holiday itself is celebrated each year on January 6 and commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus.
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The holiday is rooted in the biblical story of Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, who followed the Star of Bethlehem and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Three Kings Day symbolizes faith, generosity and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.
The celebration is especially important in Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean, where families gather, parades are held and children traditionally receive gifts from the Three Kings. A common tradition is sharing rosca de reyes, a sweet, ring-shaped bread with a small figurine hidden inside.
For Catholics, the Christmas season officially concludes with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, observed after Epiphany, making Three Kings Day a significant moment within — but not the end of — the Christmas season.