Annual celebration is back, and more, for Día de Reyes in Las Vegas

Your seasonal Navidad journey concludes with Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day).

Clark County marked the official end of the Christmas season for the Latin community with the return of its annual Día de Reyes celebration in Las Vegas Jan. 3.

This joyful holiday, also known as Three Kings Day or Epiphany, is a cultural and historical tradition, celebrated in Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines on Jan. 6.

In addition to warming up with hot cocoa, families got to enjoy live music, surprise appearances, including a visit by the Las Vegas A’s mascot, and the unveiling and sharing of a giant Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake).

There was also be a resource fair where community partners offer information on health education, educational opportunities, food assistance programs, and other services.

“Día de Reyes is a time for families to celebrate their heritage, connect with valuable community resources, and create lasting memories,” said Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom in a press release. “We’re proud to continue this tradition.”

The story of Día de Reyes 

A holiday dating back to the 4th century, Día de Reyes is the end of the Christmas season. It marks the emergence of the North Star in the sky of Bethlehem just before the birth and baptism of Jesus. It also celebrates the arrival of Los Reyes Magos (also known as the Three Wise Men, Magi, or Kings), who came to see the baby Jesus, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

On Jan. 5, children write letters to Los Reyes Magos and place them in or near their shoes, hoping their behavior has been good enough to earn a visit and gifts.

On Jan. 6, families eat the Rosca de Reyes. This symbolic cake is shaped like a circle to signify a king’s crown, and it contains a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. The person who finds the baby Jesus is required to host a party on Feb. 2 for Día de la Condelaria (Candlemas Day).

Celebrate the season with Colors of México

While Three Kings Day marks the end of the Christmas season, the current interactive exhibit at Colors of México lets you join Los Reyes Magos on their Navidad journey through Las Posadas to Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) to Día de Reyes. You will see a nacimiento (nativity scene), lots of traditional piñatas, and even watch a pastorela, a comical animated story of the shepherds evading the devil on their journey to meet baby Jesus.

Located inside the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas, the 20,000-square-foot Colors of México transports you to an upbeat outdoor Mexican marketplace with a restaurant, bar, public art, sculptures, benches, a shop, and Insta-worthy photo ops.

The current exhibit, produced by Fantasy Lab, has seven themed rooms, inspired by the colors, traditions, and festive spirit of Christmas. It includes a firefly forest light experience, a life-sized Mexican folk art sculpture (alebrijes) room, and a prehistoric Hispanica room.

Before or after walking through the exhibit, be sure to stop by the bar for a seasonal cocktail like the Blanca Navidad (reposado tequila, coconut, vanilla cream, and cinnamon) served with a churro or the Ponche con Piquete (tejocote, apple, guava, and cinnamon) served with a shot of reposado tequila.

The cost of admission includes a $15 credit for Mexican food, cocktails, or handmade art.