The Three Kings Fiesta
Western Christianity celebrates the Three Kings on the day of Epiphany, January 6, the day immediately following the twelve days of Christmas , particularly in the Spanish-speaking parts of the world . In these areas, the Three Kings ("los Reyes Magos de Oriente", also "Los Tres Reyes Magos" and "Los Reyes Magos") receive letters from children and magically bring them gifts on the night before Epiphany. In Spain , each one of the Three Kings is supposed to represent one different continent, Europe (Melchior), Asia (Caspar) and Africa (Balthasar). According to the tradition, the Three Kings come from the Orient on their camels to visit the houses of all the children; much like Santa Claus with his reindeer, they visit everyone in one night. In some areas, children prepare a drink for each of the Three Kings. It is also traditional to prepare food and drink for the camels, because this is the only night of the year when they eat. In Spain , there is a l...
