Jan. 5, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET
Christmas isn’t quite over for all observers. Día de Los Reyes, also called Three Kings’ Day or Epiphany Day, officially marks the end of the season for many communities around the world.
The holiday is celebrated annually on Jan. 6 to honor the Three Wise Men — Melchoir, Caspar and Balthazar — who delivered presents of gold, frankincense and myrrh to honor the baby Jesus.
Across many Spanish-speaking countries, the holiday is celebrated by putting presents in the shoes of children. Presents are often gifted on the day instead of or in addition to Christmas Day. The holiday also has traditions rooted in other countries.
In Ireland, those who celebrate it often take down their Christmas trees on Jan. 6, often believing it’s bad luck to do so before the date. In Russia, celebrants observe the holiday by taking part in the Eastern Orthodox tradition of baptizing themselves in cold lakes.
Here’s everything to know about Día de Los Reyes.
What is Día de Los Reyes? What are the holiday’s origins?
In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, Epiphany celebrates the revelation that Jesus is the Son of God. While it’s often focused on the revelation being made to the Three Wise Men, it also celebrates Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan.
The holiday predates the celebration of Christmas, according to History.com. Christmas and Epiphany were separated as different holidays by the early fourth century.
Epiphany comes from the Greek word “epiphaneia,” which translates to “manifestation.”
In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany, which the holiday is often called in Eastern countries, celebrates the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity in addition to his baptism, according to The Catholic Witness.
While traditions vary across countries, the holiday is often marked by a traditional feast on Jan. 6. Epiphany religious celebrations commonly occur on the Sunday between Jan. 2. and Jan. 8.
In most of Latin America and Spain, children will leave their shoes out for “Los Reyes Magos” to deliver presents. Parades are also held in Spanish-speaking countries to commemorate the holiday.
In Puerto Rico, children will fill small boxes with grass or hay for the wise men’s camels and horses.
Traditional foods for Día de Los Reyes
In Latin America, a Día de Reyes feast might be celebrated with lechón, a slow-roasted pork, cakes, tamales and atole.
In Mexico, a favorite holiday staple is the Rosca de Reyes, a traditional dessert that translates to the “Wreath of the Kings.” It’s a sweet bread topped with candied fruits and sugar. Depending on the recipe, it is infused with orange blossom or citrus zest, resembling an American fruit cake.
Some versions have hidden figurines or trinkets hidden inside resembling the baby Jesus. Per tradition, the person at the feast who finds the baby Jesus needs to hold a tamale party for the attendees on Día de la Candelaria on Feb. 2.
In Mexico, the holiday celebrates the end of Christmas by honoring Jesus’ presentation at the temple.
How Día de Los Reyes is celebrated around the world
In the United Kingdom, celebrants might commemorate the holiday by wassailing, an ancient custom of caroling from door to door while drinking mulled cider. In some areas of the country, people may carol through fruit orchards as a way to bless crops.
Similar to the Mexican tradition, Brits may enjoy a Twelfth Night Cake, a fruit cake infused with brandy and covered with royal icing. The cake traditionally contains a pea or bean hidden inside.
Meanwhile, in Greece, some people celebrate the holiday by diving into the sea to find a cross thrown into the waters by a priest. In some towns, contests are held to commemorate the tradition. In the country, the holiday is closely associated with Jesus’ baptism. Priests often bless the waters in their churches and in nature.
Italy’s celebrations mirror a combination of Halloween and Christmas. On the Twelfth Night of Christmas, La Befana, an old woman, flies on a broom around the country to deliver candies to good children and coal to bad children.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com