Three Kings Day - January 6

Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, is one of the most important and beloved festivities in Colombia. Every year, on January 6, Colombians gather to celebrate the arrival of the three Wise Men: Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar, who visited the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem. This celebration combines religious, cultural and traditional elements that make this day truly special.

Origins of the Celebration

The celebration of Three Kings Day has deep roots in Christian tradition. According to the Bible, the Three Wise Men followed the Star of Bethlehem to worship the Baby Jesus and offer him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This visit symbolizes the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. The date of Epiphany, which commemorates this event, was established on January 6, 12 days after Christmas.

In Colombia, as in many other Latin American countries, the celebration of Three Kings Day was also mixed with native traditions and cultural elements that gave it a unique and colorful character.

Preparations and Celebrations

The celebration of Three Kings Day begins in Colombia from the first days of January. On the night of January 5, Colombian families gather to prepare a great dinner. In some regions of the country, it is common to eat tamales, a typical dish made from corn dough filled with meat and other ingredients. It is also customary to prepare the Rosca de Reyes, a sweet doughnut-shaped bread decorated with candied fruits.

After dinner, many families gather for the traditional "Three Kings' Evening," where religious activities are carried out and the Bible passage that tells of the arrival of the Three Wise Men is read. The children write letters to the Three Wise Men asking for gifts and leave them along with shoes or socks, which are strategically placed so that the Three Wise Men can leave the gifts.

Three Kings Parade

One of the most exciting traditions in Colombia is the Three Wise Men parade, which takes place in many cities and towns. These parades are massive events that attract thousands of people of all ages. The Three Wise Men, dressed in elaborate costumes and crowns, parade in floats and on horseback through the streets, greeting the crowds and handing out candy and gifts.

The Three Wise Men parade is a magical experience for children, who eagerly await the arrival of the Three Kings and the opportunity to receive gifts. The floats are often decorated with lights, flowers and religious symbols, creating a festive and spiritual atmosphere.

Threads and Gifts

On January 6, Three Kings Day itself, families gather to have breakfast and cut the king's cake. In some versions of the tradition, a small figure or bean is hidden inside the bagel. Whoever finds the figure in its portion of the thread is responsible for organizing the celebration of Candlemas Day, which takes place on February 2.

After breakfast, the most anticipated moment for the children arrives: opening the gifts left by the Three Wise Men during the night. Gifts are often related to wishes expressed in previously written letters, and often include toys, clothing, and other gifts.

Regional Diversity of Celebrations

Although the celebration of Three Kings Day is a national tradition in Colombia, there are regional variations in the way it is carried out. Each region has its own customs and rituals that make the celebration unique.

On the Caribbean coast of Colombia, for example, it is common for people to celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men on the beach. Processions take place on decorated boats and festivals are held with traditional music and dance. Additionally, in some areas of the coast, children often leave sandals instead of shoes, since it is believed that the Three Wise Men will fill them with gifts.

In the Andean region, it is more common to celebrate religious evenings at home, with the reading of biblical passages and prayers. In the mountain towns, the celebration is enriched with folk music and traditional dances.

In the interior of the country, especially in Bogotá, the capital, the Three Wise Men parade is a very large and elaborate event that often includes floats, musical bands, and theatrical performances of the story of the Three Wise Men.

The Tradition of the Chaza and the Black and White Carnival

In some regions of Colombia, such as Pasto in the southwest of the country, Three Kings Day is part of broader festivities, such as the Black and White Carnival. This carnival, celebrated in January, combines the traditions of Three Kings' Day with native rituals and elements of Afro-descendant culture.

One of the most notable aspects of the Black and White Carnival is the figure of the "chaza", a character dressed in colorful costumes and masks that represents joy and abundance. The chaza is known for throwing colored talcum powder into the crowd, creating an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie. This carnival is a unique celebration that combines elements of indigenous, African and Spanish cultures, and is one of the most important festivities in southern Colombia.

The Deep Meaning

Beyond the joy and excitement of receiving gifts, Three Kings Day has a deep spiritual meaning in Colombia. The visit of the Three Wise Men to the Baby Jesus is a reminder of the importance of faith and worship in the Christian tradition. It is also a time to reflect on generosity and the importance of giving to others, as the Three Wise Men brought gifts to the Savior. In addition, the celebration of Three Kings Day encourages family unity. It is an opportunity for families to come together, share special moments and strengthen their bonds. Grandparents, parents and children come together to enjoy the festivities and create lasting memories.

Challenges and Changes in the Celebration

While Three Kings Day remains a beloved holiday in Colombia, as in many other places, there have been changes to the way it is celebrated. The commercialization of Christmas and the influence of Western culture have led to a greater emphasis on gift-giving and shopping, often overshadowing the religious significance of the holiday.

There has also been growing concern about sustainability and environmental conservation. In some areas, greener celebrations have been promoted, such as reducing waste and using recyclable materials in decorations and gifts.