El Dia de Los Reyes

crayola supplies

Twistables® Colored Pencils
Glitter Glue
Pointed Tip Scissors

household supplies

recycled file folders

Why

El Dia de Los Reyes marks when the three kings arrived at the holy manger in Bethlehem. Sing all through the holidays, especially on January 6, to celebrate!

Steps

1. The Roman Catholic holy day, Epiphany, is celebrated by many people of Latino descent as the holiday of El Dia de Los Reyes (or de Los Tres Reyes or de Los Reyes Magos). "Little Christmas" falls on January 6 and has many rich traditions connected with it including receiving gifts left at the door (or in your shoes in Venezuela), spending time together with family, and eating special foods.
2. Create these figures to honor the three kings from the story of the Epiphany. With Crayola Twistables® Colored Pencils, outline three different kings on recycled file folders. Draw side views so the kings look like they are walking. Leave a blank section below the feet for each figure’s stand. Cut out the kings.
3. To make their clothing and accessories, trace around the kings on more file folders. Listen to the story again and decide how each king—Balthazar, Kaspar, and Melchior—probably looked. What cultures and time periods would their clothing reflect? Style colorful robes, crown, turbans, and other articles of clothing. Include tabs or slits on clothing so you can attach it to the figures.
4. Make cutouts for the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that they brought on their journey following the star. Color the figures and their clothing. Embellish your kings and their gifts with Crayola Glitter Glue to add a regal sparkle. Air-dry the glue.
5. To make the figures stand upright, cut and fold file folder strips. Glue them to the bases. Air-dry the glue before arranging them in a display.

When & Where

"When I got el bambino (tiny ceramic or plastic baby) in the rosca de Reyes (almond cake), I got the honor of becoming godparent to my niece on Candelaria (Candlemas Day). "
- Aletia S., mother of 7- and 10-year-olds.

"My children love to move their paper figures closer to the crèche each day as Three Kings Day approaches."
- Diego P., father of 6- and 9-year-olds.

Interesting Info

On the night before El Dia de Los Reyes, some children leave grass out to feed the kings’ camel and donkeys. A special almond cake is made for the holiday, sometimes in the shape of a crown decorated with dried fruit for jewels. All hope to get the piece of the cake with the ceramic baby (or 3 beans) that has been baked into the Christ Cake.

Safety Guidelines

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.