El Dia de los Reyes Magos is a holiday celebrated across many Latin American countries on January 6th.
Many people actually know this day as Three Kings' day.
“A really big holiday for our culture and it represents the day the Three Kings came to visit baby Jesus,” said 12-year-old Briana Flores.
It’s the passing down of cultural and religious tradition to the next generation.
“They’re from Mexico. My dad is from Guerrero and my mom is from Michoacan,” Flores said.
12-year-old Briana Flores’ parents own “La Rosa Panaderia” in Green Bay, a Mexican bakery.
Most years on January 6th, El Dia de los Reyes Magos, she helps her father Jaime make a traditional bread known as “La Rosca”.
“On it we put Mexican candy. We also decorate it with cherries, this is cream cheese. Inside the Rosca, there’s three baby Jesus that represent the three wise men. Now when you cut the Rosca and get a little baby Jesus, you have to plan a little party for everyone on the second of February,” Flores said.
February 2nd is Candlemas for practicing Catholic. It commemorates the ritual purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of her son Jesus.
While celebrations may be smaller this year due to covid, that’s not stopping Green Bay’s Latino community from grabbing their “pan” or bread.
Jamie, Briana's dad saying they're meeting the demand of 500 to 600 orders.
While these traditions continue to be an important part of Briana’s upbringing, the young girl goes on to say she’s grateful for all that her parents have taught her about embracing her cultural identity.
“They’re great and amazing people. They’ve taught me so much and what they share with me has great value. And the more he shares with me his culture, the more I get to learn about it and embrace me being a Latina,” Flores said.
