Even after Christmas and New Year’s Day pass, holiday celebrations continue in Charlotte with Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes) and Twelfth Night.
These traditional celebrations are expressions of Epiphany, which marks when, according to the nativity story, three wise men visited baby Jesus, bearing gifts.
In modern times, especially in Spain and Latin America, on Three Kings Day, children leave their shoes by the door of their houses, so that the three kings can come and leave them presents.
Traditionally, bakers make “Rosca de Reyes,” a sweet bread meant to represent a crown. The bread often has a plastic doll, representing the baby Jesus, baked inside. Whoever gets the slice of bread with the doll in it is Jesus’ guardian for the year. In some traditions, the person who gets the slice with Baby Jesus is responsible for cooking tamales for everyone on Día de la Candelaria on February 2nd!
Interested in treating yourself to Rosca de Reyes? Here are two spots where you can order one in Charlotte. Plan ahead, though, because they sell out.
- Manolo’s Latin Bakery, 4405-C Central Avenue, Charlotte
- Panaderia El Quezal, 925 Eastway Drive, Charlotte
Three Kings Day and Twelfth Night mark the end of the Christmas season.
Three Kings Day and Twelfth Night Events in Charlotte
Here’s what’s been announced so far. We’ll add more events as they’re announced
Día de Reyes/Three Kings Day Family Day Celebration with Levine Museum of the New South
Saturday, January 7th, 2023
12 to 4 p.m.
The VAPA Center
700 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Free
This free, family-friendly event will feature:
- Pastorela
- Singing
- Dancing
- Arts and Crafts
- Face painting
- Storytime
- Exhibition of children’s toys
- The largest Rosca de Reyes in the Carolinas
This is event is presented in partnership between Levine Museum of the New South, Fiestas Patrias, Manolo’s Bakery and Soy Latino Como Tú.
Twelfth Night: Spirits of the Season
Saturday, January 7th, 2022
6 to 8:30 pm.
Charlotte Museum of History
3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC
$10+
This event is for ages 21+ only.
This year’s theme, “Spirits of the Season,” emphasizes North Carolina’s long history of distilling and brewing. The festivities will include tastings from local distillers and brewers, themed tours of the 1774 Homesite, and a featured lecture about moonshine and bootlegging delivered by Daniel Pierce.
Featuring spirits from: Great Wagon Road Distillery, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, and more!
Tickets:
- Admission only: $10
- Admission and five drink samples: $25
- Full experience (admission, five drink samples and Rock House tour): $35
Purchase Twelfth Night: Spirits of the Season tickets.
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