The Feast of the Epiphany Around the World

In United States, we typically stop celebrating Christmas on December 26. However, in our Catholic Tradition December 25th marks the first day of the Christmas season. After having spent all advent preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ, we are now ready release the Christmas spirit! We begin first with the Octave on Christmas day—8 days of great merriment and joy as we remember the gift of the incarnation. Following the octave, we don’t let the Christmas cheer stop! As one Church, as one family, we continue to celebrate until the Sunday after the Feast of the Epiphany.

In many countries and cultures around the world, the Feast of the Epiphany is actually the biggest celebration of the entire Christmas season. Known as “Three Kings Day,” Catholics around the world gather together to end the Christmas season right. Let's explore how different countries celebrate this important day, highlighting unique customs that blend both faith and culture.

Mexico

In Mexico, Epiphany is called "Día de Reyes" or "Three Kings Day." The night before, on January 5th, children place their shoes out, much like the Christmas tradition of hanging stockings, in hopes of receiving small gifts from the magi on the morning of January 6th. Families also gather to share "Rosca de Reyes," a sweet ring-shaped bread. Inside the bread, a small figurine of the baby Jesus is hidden, symbolizing the Holy Family hiding from King Herod. Whoever finds the figurine is tasked with hosting a special meal of tamales on February 2nd, Candlemas Day, which marks the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple.

Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, Three Kings Day is an eagerly anticipated celebration, especially for children. On the night of January 5th, kids gather hay or grass, placing it in boxes under their beds. They hope that in providing food for the camels of the Magi, they wake up to find gifts or candy. The day is filled with parades, festivals, and a lively custom known as “parrandas,” where families go from house to house singing and playing traditional music.

Spain

Spain’s celebration is perhaps one of the most elaborate. Known as "La Cabalgata de Reyes," it begins on January 5th with elaborate parades in cities and towns across the country. The three wise men, represented on floats, toss sweets and small toys to children as they make their way through the streets. The excitement culminates on January 6th when children open gifts brought by the magi. The feast is accompanied by "Roscón de Reyes," a sweet milk bread sometimes filled with cream or covered in chocolate.

France

In France, the tradition centers around the "Galette des Rois," a rich almond-flavored pastry in which a small figurine, known as a "fève," is hidden. The person who finds the fève in their slice is crowned king or queen for the day, adding an element of fun and surprise to the celebrations.

Greece

In Greece and other Eastern Orthodox countries, Epiphany is known as "Theophany" and is one of the most important feasts of the liturgical year. The celebration includes the Blessing of holy water to commemorate Christ's baptism. In many coastal towns, priests throw a cross into the sea, and young men dive in to retrieve it, with the one who brings the cross back being blessed for the year. This custom is not only a beautiful symbol of faith but also a powerful reminder of Christ’s divinity revealed through his baptism.

Across the world, Epiphany remains a deeply a meaningful and joy-filled feast, reminding us of the journey of the three wise men, their gifts, and their recognition of Jesus as the King. From parades and gift-giving to cakes and community celebrations, the variety of Epiphany traditions adds rich layers to the story of the magi and continues to inspire generations of Christians to reflect on the revelation of Christ to the world.

Though in the United States the Christmas spirit typically dies out on December 26, as Catholics we are obliged to keep the season bright and merry unto the great feast of the epiphany.