A visit to a Mexican type grocery store around January 6th will yield the opportunity to buy a “Rosca de Reyes,” a specially made bread that comes in a large ring and is meant to celebrate the Baby Jesus. There are Baby Jesus figurines embedded in the bread and anyone that receives a portion that has one can offer a gift in remembrance of the presents the Three Wise Men brought to the new born Lord.
More than that, it celebrates the feast of recognition of Christ becoming part of humanity. The “Rosca de Reyes” offered in a circular fashion symbolizes origins.
When that circle is broken (by eating) it signals the beginning of human existence in flesh and blood. It is that transition to be part of humanity that is the greatest gift of the divine because in taking human form, Christ becomes the metaphor that is able to bridge the gap between God and mankind.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ. But it is the later coming of the Magi Kings with offerings that provides the best insight into gift-giving. It is this event that triggers the giving of presents in Spain and Latin America. There are also public ceremonies and festivals especially in rural areas and small towns.
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU) has a calendar gap between Christmas and the middle of January called Winterim. Many academic departments offer accelerated and short-term courses in this period. That was also a time when our study abroad operation would focus on the study of Mayan culture and civilization by travel-study activities in southern Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America. The groups would arrive just after New Years and visit ancient sites for 10 days.
One of my favorite itineraries included visiting the great ancient city of Tikal in the Peten jungle of northern Guatemala. The group stayed in Flores, a beautiful and picturesque village located in the middle of Lake Peten Itza a little over an hour away from the archaeological site.
On January 6th at day-break, the church bells ring for the 6:00 a.m. Mass and together with the noise of fire crackers begin the events that include an official ceremony in the plaza and the crowning of a queen followed by a parade through the narrow streets of the town. The people then go home to open presents. It is not very long after everyone leaves that the children with new toys appear playing in front of their homes. Later, Flores itself becomes a children’s playground especially the older kids trying out their new bicycles. There is also a festival and carnival that gains attendance and intensity as night approaches. The festival is normally sponsored by Gallo, the national beer company of Guatemala.
The sweet bread eaten that day is the Rosca de Reyes that appears at every stand where food is sold. The figurines of Jesus are embedded in the bread and cries go out when people find one of them in their portion.
Mexico, especially the central, northern and the resort areas, is very much influenced by the United States and celebrates Christmas just like we do here. But then, they also celebrate “El Dia de los Reyes Magos” and people have two opportunities to give and receive presents.
If you want to celebrate the January 6th holiday there are stores relatively close by that will sell you the “Rosca de Reyes” bread. Buy one and take it home to enjoy with the family to eat with your favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of la Voz bilingüe. Comments and responses may be directed to news@lavozcolorado.com.
