Day Of Los Reyes

Every year on January 6, Uruguay celebrates the Catholic holiday known as Day of Los Reyes. This day, originally referred to as ‘Día de Los Reyes’ in Spanish, honors the wise men who, according to the Christian Bible, visited Jesus Christ at his birth. These wise men traveled from the east and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the newborn. Apart from Uruguay, other Latin American nations such as Puerto Rico, Peru, Paraguay, Mexico, Spain, and Argentina also observe this holiday.

In Uruguay, however, the holiday has a unique twist due to the country’s distinct religious landscape. Back in 1916, church and state were officially separated in Uruguay. By 1919, a secular calendar was adopted, replacing Christian holidays with new names — Christmas became Family Day, Easter turned into Tourism Week, the Immaculate Conception feast was renamed Beach Day, and Día de Los Reyes was transformed into Day of the Child or ‘Día del Niño’ in Spanish. Despite this secular approach, some Christian traditions persist, such as children leaving polished shoes outside to receive gifts from the kings, just like leaving cookies for Santa Claus. Sweet wine, milk, and fruit are also set out for the kings and their camels. Additionally, sharing ‘roscon de Reyes,’ a festive cake, is a common practice. On this day, children often receive their Christmas presents.

The Timeline of Day of Los Reyes

• 1916: Uruguay officially separates church and state.
• 1919: A secular calendar replaces Christian holidays in Uruguay.
• 2006: A survey reveals that 58.2% of Uruguayans identify as Christian, while 40.4% claim no religion.
• 2019: The Catholic Church in Uruguay launches a campaign to rekindle interest in church attendance.

Understanding Día de Los Reyes

• ‘Los Reyes’ translates to ‘the kings’ in Spanish.
• The wise men’s gifts symbolized different aspects: myrrh for mortality, gold for kingship, and frankincense for divinity.
• It is commonly believed that the wise men hailed from Persia, now known as Iran.

Celebrating Day of Los Reyes

1. Polish Your Shoes: Have some fun, regardless of age, by polishing your shoes and leaving them out, possibly for a mysterious gift.
2. Family Gatherings: Spend the day with family, enjoying parades, cozy fires, or delightful meals.
3. Gift Giving: Share love and affection by exchanging gifts with friends and family.

Five Fascinating Facts About Day of Los Reyes

• The Lucky Cake: A small Jesus figurine hidden in a wreath cake brings good fortune to the lucky finder.
• A Double Celebration: January 6 is also the 12th day of Christmas.
• The Wise Men’s Names: Though unnamed in the Bible, they are traditionally called Gaspar, Melchor, and Balthazar, symbolizing Europe, Arabia, and Africa.
• Global Celebrations: Día de Los Reyes extends beyond Latin America, celebrated in places like Harlem, New York, and California.
• Peru’s Capital: Lima was initially named ‘Ciudad de Los Reyes’ after being discovered on January 6 by Francisco Pizarro.

Why Day of Los Reyes is Cherished

• Joyful Celebrations: The day is filled with parades, feasts, and family gatherings, while businesses and schools close to mark the occasion.
• Part of the Christmas Season: It continues the festive spirit of the Christmas season, adding joy and cheer.
• Deep Significance: For Christians, it holds profound meaning as it commemorates the birth and life of Jesus Christ, the Savior.

What is the date of Day Of Los Reyes every year?

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