Day of the Holy Kings 2026 in Mexico

Epiphany, also known as the Day of Holy Kings (Día de los Santos Reyes), is celebrated on January 6 in remembrance of the biblical story of the three kings’ visit to Jesus.

Is Day of the Holy Kings a Public Holiday?

Day of the Holy Kings is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.

Celebrate the Day of the Holy Kings

In addition to getting presents from baby Jesus on Christmas Eve, Mexican children receive gifts from the three wise kings (Reyes Magos) on January 6. Streets in major cities are packed with food stalls, gifts, and outdoor parties. It is also customary to eat Rosca de Reyes, which is a wreath-shaped fruity bread baked with a figure of baby Jesus inside.

Public Life

The Day of the Holy Kings is a religious observance and not a federal public holiday in Mexico. Access to streets in some cities and towns may be difficult for vehicles due to Epiphany related festivities on January 6.

About the Day of the Holy Kings

Christians believe that three kings (or wise men) – Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar – visited the child Jesus and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This Epiphany story is celebrated in churches across Mexico and worldwide.

Did You Know?

The person who finds the figurine of baby Jesus inside his or her share of the sweet bread, Rosca de Reyes, symbolically “becomes” Jesus’ godparent.

About Day of the Holy Kings in Other Countries

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.