El Dia de Los Reyes

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.

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.

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.

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 glu

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.