The Rosca de Reyes or King’s Cake is a sweet bread garnished with crystallized fruit whose origins are traced to Europe in the Middle Ages. The Rosca arrived in Mexico during the Spanish conquest and is filled with religious symbolism.
- The oval or circular shape symbolizes the infinite love of God.
- The fruits that decorate it make reference to the gifts the Three Kings brought to Baby Jesus.
- The babies hidden inside symbolize when Joseph and Mary hid the baby Jesus to save him from King Herod.
Traditions in Mexico
You may be familiar with a similar cake eaten during Mardi Gras. In Mexico, the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord (January 6) gives rise to the Rosca de Reyes celebration.
Beginning several days before, children write letters to the Three Kings asking for them to bring a special gift. Then families gather on the 6th to receive gifts and share the Rosca de Reyes.
Whoever finds the hidden Baby Jesus in the Rosca becomes the Godfather of “Niño Dios” on February 2, the Christian feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. After the Mass, they invite family and friends to their home for a festival of tamales and atole (a sweetened hot drink of ground corn, chocolate, and sugar cane).
Artisan’s Rosca de Reyes is now available in store daily until supplies run out, but please call, Facebook message, or email us to pre-order and ensure yours will be ready!