Spanish II - Three Kings' Day (El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos)
La Cabalgata de los Reyes (Cavalcade of Magi)
*_____* is a parade that takes place in many Spanish cities on the evening of January 5th in which the Three Kings ride through the streets throwing candy and small gifts to the crowds. Many parades are broadcasted live for families to enjoy viewing at home as well.
La Alameda
*_____* is a park in Mexico City dating back to the Colonial era. Each year during the evenings prior to January 6, many Mexican families visit this park for a night of food and fun, having their picture made with the Three Kings, and delivering their gift wish letters.
La rosca de reyes (the ring of kings)
*_____* is a pastry traditionally eaten to celebrate Three Kings' Day. Recipes vary from country to country, but generally, it is round to signify a king's crown and decorated with fig fruit, cherries, and other dried or candied fruits. A small figure of baby Jesus is traditionally hidden inside of the bread, and whoever finds it will be blessed with good luck.
Baltasar (Balthazar)
*_____* was a Nubian King and ruler of Ethiopia. His gift to Jesus was myrrh.
Melchor (Melchior)
*_____* was the Sultan of Arabia and the oldest of the Three Kings. He had a long white beard and wore elegant crimson robes.
Gaspar (Caspar)
*_____* was the emperor of the Orient. His gift to Jesus was frankincense.
La mirra (myrrh)
A precious and aromatic resin, *_____*, was one of the three gifts brought to Jesus by the Three Kings. It was used in medicine as a perfume and used in embalming as a holy ointment.
La Epifanía (Epiphany)
Another term for Three Kings' Day is *_____*.
El oro (gold)
From Melchior, Jesus received this precious metal: *_____*.
El incienso (incense)
Gaspar presented Jesus with *_____* which was burned in the temples to honor God and symbolized prayer.
El Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas)
In some countries, like Mexico, whoever finds the baby Jesus hidden in the "rosca de reyes" (ring of kings) pastry eaten on Three Kings' Day is obligated to host a party on February 2 or *_____*. This is a Christian holiday to commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the Temple.
La Víspera de Reyes (The Eve of Three Kings)
On the night of *_____*, children in many Spanish-speaking countries place a pair of shoes under their bed, in the living room, or outside of the house where the Three Kings will leave them their presents. Some children also leave grass and water for the Three Kings' camels to enjoy!
