January 6th is a traditional holiday in Colombia , recognized for the celebration of Three Kings Day or Epiphany , one of the oldest religious holidays in Christianity. Although its origins are religious, in Colombia it is also celebrated as a day of rest, joy, and the conclusion of the Christmas celebrations, marked by popular customs, processions, and fairs in different regions of the country.
This day is usually a national holiday when it is moved to the nearest Monday, in accordance with the Emiliani Law , which seeks to promote leisure and domestic tourism. Therefore, in some years the holiday is celebrated on the Monday following January 6th .
Origin of Three Kings Day
Three Kings' Day commemorates the visit of three wise men from the East—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—to the baby Jesus, guided by a star to Bethlehem. According to Christian tradition, the three wise men offered three symbolic gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, representing the royalty, divinity, and humanity of the Messiah.
In Colombia, this date was introduced by the Spanish during the colonial era and, over time, became part of the country's religious and cultural calendar.
Why is January 6 a holiday in Colombia?
January 6th is a holiday in Colombia because it is considered a religious solemnity of great importance. National legislation recognizes it as a mandatory day of rest , although it is often celebrated on the nearest Monday (according to Law 51 of 1983, known as the Emiliani Law).
This allows Colombians to enjoy a long weekend , which encourages tourism and cultural activities in different regions of the country.
How Three Kings Day is celebrated in Colombia
Although its religious character remains, Three Kings Day in Colombia has also acquired a festive and family-oriented meaning. In many towns, the date is associated with community activities, fairs, and theatrical performances.
Some of the most notable customs are:
Masses and processions in parishes and churches, especially in regions with a strong Catholic tradition.
Theatrical works that recreate the adoration of the Three Wise Men to the Child Jesus.
Fairs and patron saint festivals , such as in Riosucio (Caldas) or Tuluá (Valle del Cauca), which coincide with important cultural festivals.
Family gatherings where the last fritters and custard of the Christmas season are shared.
In some rural areas, children receive small gifts in memory of the Three Wise Men's gifts to baby Jesus.
Traditional January 6th festivities in Colombia
January 6 also marks the beginning or end of well-known celebrations in the country:
🎭 Carnival of Blacks and Whites (Pasto) : one of Colombia's most iconic festivals, declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It culminates on January 6th with the Desfile Magno , an explosion of color, music, and creativity.
🎉 Three Kings' Day Festival in Riosucio (Caldas) : famous for its mix of religion, satire and folklore, which give rise to the traditional Devil's Carnival .
🎶 Municipal fairs in municipalities of Valle del Cauca, Nariño, and Cundinamarca, featuring parades, pageants, and musical performances.
These celebrations demonstrate how the date has transcended the religious sphere to become a symbol of Colombian cultural identity.
Spiritual and family significance of January 6
For many Colombian homes, Three Kings Day marks the official end of Christmas . It's a time to give thanks, share time with family, and take down the Nativity scene or Christmas decorations, a tradition that marks the end of the December festive season.
The date also recalls the importance of faith, generosity, and family unity , values that the Three Wise Men symbolize with their offerings to the Baby Jesus.
When will Three Kings' Day be a holiday in 2026?
In Colombia's 2026 holiday calendar , Three Kings Day will be celebrated on Monday, January 5 , having been moved according to the Emiliani Law.
You can see the complete list of holidays in the article Colombia Holiday Calendar 2026 .
Tourism and activities to enjoy on the January 6th holiday
The Three Kings' Day long weekend is ideal for short getaways or the end of the holiday season. Some recommended plans include:
Visit Pasto and experience the Black and White Carnival .
Religious tourism in Popayán, Tunja or Villa de Leyva.
Enjoy natural destinations such as the Coffee Region or Lake Calima.
Participate in local folk or food festivals.
You can find more travel ideas in the most beautiful heritage towns to visit in December or in our guide to Colombia's unique regional festivals .
Curiosities of Three Kings' Day in Colombia
In some municipalities, children write letters to the Three Wise Men instead of to the Baby Jesus.
It is common to leave shoes next to the manger the night before, as a symbol of receiving blessings and gifts.
In the rural areas of Nariño and Boyacá, camel parades or caravans are held to represent the arrival of the Three Wise Men at the Bethlehem gate.