In Spanish-speaking countries there is a tradition of celebrating on January 6, the feast of the Epiphany of Jesus, of consuming a traditional sweet called "Rosca de Reyes" (Kings' cake). As the name says, it is a sweet linked to the feast of the Magi, who were the wise men from the East who came to Bethlehem to worship the baby Jesus.
This tradition came from Europe to the New Continent through Spanish culture and found great acceptance. It is a sweet dough arranged in the shape of a crown, and decorated with candied fruits, sugar dough imitating jewels, icing sugar and that can have toasted almonds, walnuts, raisins and some other dry or red fruits.
For the preparation of the Rosca, the recipes vary according to the place or country, but basically flour, butter, yeast, sugar and egg are mixed. And the Rosca, in the best of cases, is flavored with orange blossom water that adds a characteristic smell.
The Rosca can hide "surprises" inside and that diners find when they cut a piece of the Rosca or bite it. Generally, the surprises can be various objects such as a dry bean, a coin or a figurine of the Child Jesus.
Depending on the local tradition, whoever gets the object or figure has to invite the rest of the diners to eat on Candlemas day. In the case of Mexico, it is customary for the "lucky ones" to be invited to eat tamales and drink atole or a chocolate drink.
So, let's remember the Spanish names of these famous Magi or Wise Men: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar.
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