The Three Wise Men delivered gifts to East Salinas Sunday
Story by Sandra Santos, translated by Sergio Berrueta
SALINAS, Calif. (KMUV-TV) -- Several organizations in Monterey County came together to celebrate Dia de Los Reyes by giving away more than 700 toys in Salinas. Families throughout East Salinas came together on Sunday to meet the three wise men.
The tradition is celebrated in southern Mexico and parts of Latin America. According to tradition, on January 6, three wise men are expected to visit homes bringing toys and gifts.
In Mexico, children and families prepare to receive gifts from the Three Wise Men the night before. Children will also place a pair of shoes near the Christmas tree or the entrance of their doors waiting to wake up and see what gifts the Three Wise Men.
The Three Wise Men are an important part of the Christmas holiday as much as Santa Claus is for children in the United States. Yet, the Mexican tradition is connected spiritually since the Three Wise Men traveled to deliver gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus in Bethlehem during his birth.
Along with this celebration is the sharing of the Rosca de Reyes or Kings’ Cake. Inside the rosca is the child of God and the person who finds him, has to hold a feast on February 2, the day of La Candelaria. These celebrations are more than a Mexican tradition as they are rooted in the Catholic religion.
