Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes) Traditions in Spanish-Speaking Countries

Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes): Traditions Across Spanish-Speaking Countries (Plus a Free Printable!)

If you’re raising bilingual kids, cultural traditions are one of the most powerful ways to make language feel meaningful, memorable, and fun. And one of the most loved traditions in many Spanish-speaking countries is Three Kings Day, also called Día de Reyes or Día de los Reyes Magos—celebrated on January 6th.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• What Three Kings Day is and why it matters

• How it’s celebrated in different Spanish-speaking countries

• Easy, kid-friendly ways to celebrate at home (anywhere in the world!)

• A FREE printable with coloring pages + songs to learn Spanish through play

What is Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes)?

Three Kings Day celebrates the story of the Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos): Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar, who followed a star (la estrella) and brought gifts to baby Jesus. In many places, it’s the day children traditionally receive gifts—similar to how some families celebrate Christmas.

Why bilingual families love Día de Reyes

For bilingual kids, traditions create emotional connection—and that’s what makes language stick.

Three Kings Day is perfect for:

• Learning Spanish vocabulary through real-life context

• Practicing simple phrases like “I want…” and “They brought me…”

• Building cultural identity and family memories

   

• Key Spanish vocabulary for kids

  Use these words throughout the day (point, repeat, and make it playful!):

  • los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings)

  • la corona (crown)

  • el regalo (gift)

  • el camello (camel)

  • la estrella (star)

  • la carta (letter)

  • los zapatos (shoes)

  • dulces (sweets)

  • (optional for older kids) oro, incienso y mirra (gold, frankincense, myrrh)

   

  How Día de Reyes is celebrated in different Spanish-speaking countries

  Every country adds its own flavor—here are some of the most popular traditions:

  Spain 🇪🇸

  • Big parades called La Cabalgata de Reyes (usually on Jan 5th)

  • Kids leave shoes out and often a note/letter

  • Roscón de Reyes is common (a ring-shaped sweet bread)

  Mexico 🇲🇽

  • Families share Rosca de Reyes

  • A small figurine is hidden inside; whoever finds it often hosts a later celebration (commonly connected to Feb 2 traditions)

  • Kids may leave shoes out for gifts

  Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

  • Kids sometimes place grass or hay in a box for the camels

  • Shoes are left out, and gifts appear overnight

  • Strong family celebration atmosphere

  Dominican Republic 🇩🇴

  • Families celebrate with gifts, sweets, and family gatherings

  • Shoes/letters are common in some homes

  • Many families enjoy festive treats and community events

  Colombia 🇨🇴 / Venezuela 🇻🇪 (and other countries)

  • Some families celebrate Reyes Magos with storytelling, sweets, and family traditions

  • In some regions, it’s more cultural/religious than a gift-focused day

  • Great moment to introduce vocabulary and cultural heritage at home

  Argentina 🇦🇷 / Uruguay 🇺🇾 / Chile 🇨🇱

  • Many families celebrate on Jan 6th, often with small gifts or family treats

  • Traditions vary by family and region—perfect for sharing “how we do it in our home”

  Tip: If your family celebrates differently, that’s wonderful—your children are learning that Spanish culture is diverse, not “one size fits all.”

   

  Easy ways to celebrate Día de Reyes at home (anywhere)

  You don’t need a big event to make this magical:

  1. Leave shoes out (los zapatos)

  2. Write a short letter (la carta) to the Kings

  3. Make paper crowns (la corona)

  4. Do a mini “treasure hunt” with a star (la estrella)

  5. Sing a simple Spanish song (kids LOVE repetition)

   

  Spanish phrases your kids can say today

  Keep it short and confidence-building:

  • ¡Feliz Día de Reyes!

  • Quiero _____. (I want _____.)

  • Me trajeron _____. (They brought me _____.)

  • Gracias, Reyes Magos. (Thank you, Three Kings.)

   

  Download your FREE Día de Reyes Printable (Coloring + Songs!)

  Want a ready-to-use, screen-free activity that helps kids learn Spanish through culture?

  Printable includes:

  • Coloring pages

  • Vocabulary activities

  • A kid-friendly song to learn Día de Reyes words

  Download it here: Free Dia de Reyes for kids Printable in Spanish

  
  (Perfect for bilingual families, Spanish learners, and teachers!)