Epiphany 2025: Everything to know about Three Kings’ Day

FREDERIKSTED — Less than a week into 2025 and there are already reasons to celebrate!

Epiphany is known by several different names, including El Día de Los Reyes Magos and Three Kings’ Day. The January 6 holiday celebrates the three kings who each gave a gift to the baby Jesus. Here is what you need to know about the holiday and how you can celebrate it.

History

Epiphany celebrates the biblical adoration of the baby Jesus by the Three Kings, also referred to as the Three Wise Men or Magi. According to the Gospel of Matthew, one king offered gold, and another offered frankincense to the baby Jesus, symbolizing Jesus’ royal standing and divine nature. The third king offered myrrh, which was often used to embalm corpses, as a symbol of Jesus’ mortality.

Traditions

Gifts: Gift-giving is a special part of Three Kings’ Day and a way to celebrate the gifts given to the baby Jesus in the Bible. Children place their old shoes out before going to bed the night of Jan. 5, and in the morning, the shoes are filled with toys and gifts from the Three Kings.

A large, delicious meal: No holiday is complete without a huge meal, prepared for family and friends. Three Kings’ Day is no exception. Good dishes to make include a marinated pork roast, tamales, and Abuelita brand hot chocolate.