Day of the Three Kings: Watch the kings arrive at Fiesta de Pueblo in Greenacres.
The Three Kings Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar arrived at Ferreri Park in Greenacres on Saturday, January 11, 2025, for the annual Fiesta de Pueblo.
Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and is an important day for millions of Christian and Catholic families in Europe, Spain, and Latin America. For many Hispanic communities in the United States, this day marks the official end of Christmas, keeping traditions alive from the gifts to the table.
That’s important now because, unlike the commercial calendar, religious Christmas doesn’t end on December 25th. From January 25th to 6th, the 12 days of Christmas will pass, culminating in the Day of the Three Kings. It particularly affects families with children, Catholic communities, and Latino businesses preparing for specific celebrations or sales.
When and why will Three Kings Day be celebrated in 2026?
Three Kings Day is for many associated with the 12 days of Christmas, which begin on December 25th and culminate with the Feast of the Epiphany, and is celebrated on January 6th.
The name comes from the Greek inspirationwhich means the visible manifestation or revelation of divinity before man. That idea, that God makes himself present in the world, remains the theological axis that gives meaning to the Day of the Three Kings to this day.
For those who live through the seasons as a cycle, it is the “final point” before completely returning to normal life.
But not everyone thinks the same way. Some traditions understand Christmas as one day, others as 12 days, and others extend it to the menorah, which is usually celebrated on February 2nd and commemorates the dedication of Jesus in the Temple.
Why is Three Kings Day always celebrated on January 6th?
Three Kings Day falls on January 6 each year because it is associated with the Feast of the Epiphany, an ancient Christian tradition that commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ into the world. In the liturgical calendar, January 6th is set aside to commemorate the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, which, according to tradition, took place 12 days after Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th.
According to historical records, the first celebration took place several centuries ago. According to ancient sources, it dates back to the 4th century AD. In C, Epiphany was a widespread commemoration among Christian communities. Also earlier in the second century, the theologian Clement of Alexandria recorded that a group of Syrian Gnostic Christians known as the Basilidians performed the baptism of Christ in January. Decades later, in 361, Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus recorded that Christians called that January celebration Epiphany.
Based on this count, the so-called 12 days of Christmas were born, starting on Christmas Day and ending on January 6th. Therefore, for many Christians, Three Kings Day not only reminds us of our veneration of the Magi, but also marks the official end of the Christmas season.
How is Three Kings Day perceived in the U.S. Latino community?
For many Hispanic families, gifts arrive in the early morning hours of January 6th, rather than December 25th. On the night of the 5th, the children place their shoes near a tree or manger and wait for the visit of the Three Wise Men.
The next day, the center of the celebration is the family table. Share hot chocolate, coffee, and Rosca de Reyes among several generations. For many immigrants, it’s a way to connect their children to their cultural roots.
Is it a religious holiday?
yes. Three Kings Day is a Christian and Catholic holiday widely celebrated in Europe, Spain, and Latin America. Although it is not a federal holiday in the United States, it has strong cultural roots in the Hispanic community.
Is it a holiday in America?
No, Three Kings Day is not a federal holiday, but it is an important cultural and religious day for the Latinx and Catholic communities. Many celebrations take place on the night of the 5th or the nearest weekend, as schools and workplaces operate as usual.
contribution: america today
Boris Q’va is a Spanish national trends news reporter for Connect/USA TODAY Network. You can follow him on X as @ByBorisQva or write to him at BBalsindesUrquiola@gannett.com.
