It’s a Piece of Cake

At a popular Latino bakery, Norma notices a newly posted hand printed large-lettered sign “Rosca de los Reyes” (bread of the kings) taped to the showcase. Fascinated, she watches a customer purchase one of these 24” ring-shaped specialties with dried cherries decorating its glazed top. Most striking, it comes with a tiny plastic baby doll. Norma learns that the doll will be hidden inside.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Mexicans eat Rosca de los Reyes on January 6, Day of the Magi or the Epiphany, commemorating the arrival of the three kings into Bethlehem bearing gifts for the Christ Child. A traditional Christmas food, Rosca de los Reyes is a bread containing raisins, walnuts, candied cherries, grated orange and lemon peel. The ring shape represents a king’s crown, and the miniature doll depicts the Baby Jesus. Generally, they serve the rosca at the evening meal, and whoever discovers the baby Jesus in his/her slice must host the Feast of Candelaria or Purification, held on February 2, when they eat tamales and Chocolate. In New Orleans they eat King Cakes enjoyed from January 6 throughout Mardi Gras season. King Cakes have a brioche-type texture and may contain a fruit or cream cheese filling. They resemble roscas in shape, size, and symbolism but have Mardi Gras-colored frosting: green (for faith), gold (for power), purple (for justice). A plastic baby hides inside. Whoever finds it must host the next King Cake party.