A feast for kings: Local bakeries prepare for Latin tradition

Ovens in bakeries across the Valley, Mexico and other Latin countries for days have been churning out those yummy "Roscas de Reyes," or King Cakes, to be ready for today, El Dia de los Reyes Magos, otherwise known as the Feast of the Three Kings.

The cakes traditionally are eaten on Jan. 6, 12 days after the birth of Christ, which is how long Christians believe it took the Three Wise Men to arrive in Bethlehem to visit the infant Jesus.

Owners of the La Palmas Bakery on Palm Boulevard and Southmost Road say they have made more than 2,000 roscas this holiday season.

Traditionally in Mexico, children receive presents today from the Three Wise Men, although along the U.S-Mexico border, many Mexican families also celebrated the arrival of Santa Claus last month.

The rosca itself is an oval-shaped cake decorated with dried fruit and colored icing. Inside each cake, the bakery hides a miniature statue or doll that represents the baby Jesus.

Tradition says that the person who finds the infant in the rosca must take a baby Jesus to church on Feb. 2, the Day of the Virgin of the Candelaria, and then hold a party to celebrate.

Dmaldonado@brownsvilleherald.com