January the 6th is a special day in Mexico. Known as 'El Dia de Reyes' (Three Kings Day), this holiday represents the height of the Christmas season. The date marks the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas and commemorates the wise men who traveled to bring gifts for baby Jesus. The children of Mexico look forward to this holiday as traditionally, gifts are exchanged on this date, not on Christmas day.

El Dia de Reyes remains an important holiday for the people of Mexico. In addition to the gift-giving aspect of the day, there is also a cake that is specific to the holiday. Known as 'Rosca de Reyes' (King's Cake), this holiday dessert offers much in the way of symbolism. Shaped in the round to signify a king's crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Baked inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus.

Mrs. Arredondo made several cakes this week, as each class celebrated El Dia de Rayes.

Students also had fun leaving one of their shoes outside the classroom door and waiting for it to be filled with a surprise gift!  The shoes were even laid on a bed of hay to feed the camels of the wise men. 

In addition to the fun of this lesson, students were able to learn and practice many new Spanish vocabulary words and phrases. 

estrella - star
los zapatos - shoes
el nacimento - the birth
el Nino Jesus - the baby Jesus
la rosca de reyes - King's ring (King's cake)
los camellos - the camels
los Tres Reyes Magos - the three wise men