“We unite as a community,” stated Wanda Vásquez, head of the Office of Hispanic Ministry at the Archdiocese of New York. “We rejoice in prayer, contemplating the arrival of our Jesus — looking forward to the visit of the Magi.”

Concentrate on the nativity of Jesus

Vásquez stated that in Puerto Rico and numerous regions of the Caribbean, all customs center around the birth of Jesus, instead of figures such as Santa Claus or elves.

Although Christmas Eve and Christmas focus on the birth of Christ, presents are customarily set aside for Epiphany. This custom was passed down from Spain, and many Catholics from Latin America observe it in various ways. Some kids place shoes beneath the tree, others under their beds, and some also leave food and water for the camels of the Magi. What unites these practices is the focus on the Christ Child in the manger, encouraging reflection on the fulfillment of God’s promise.

The little doll

In line with the Epiphany custom, the Rosca de Reyes, a decorative round bread featuring candied fruits and a plastic figurine of a child symbolizing the newborn Jesus, is divided among participants. “Whoever finds the tiny doll is responsible for preparing the tamales on Candlemas Day,” clarified Aguilera-Titus.

“For numerous individuals,” Vásquez stated, “Christmas continues until February 2, with the presentation of the Lord at the temple,” which is also referred to as Candlemas.

Alongside the chance to explore the scriptures of the Bible, Aguilera-Titus stated that Epiphany festivities serve as a means to enhance “Christian living more evident in the household and among the community of faith, in the church.”

“Everyone searches for God through their own culture and tradition,” stated Humberto Ramos, parish life director at Epiphany Church in South El Monte, California.

He approximates that roughly 2,000 individuals — excluding kids — will gather to commemorate Epiphany, the parish’s main feast day, featuring a large celebration where individuals dressed as monarchs distribute treats to the youngsters.

He contemplated the offerings presented to the infant Jesus, “incense for the Divine, gold for the Monarch, and myrrh for the one destined to perish,” as noted by the fifth-century church scholar St. Peter Chrysologus.

Alongside the conventional rosca, Ramos mentioned, his congregation practices an additional Mexican custom, the levantada, or raising, of the Christ Child from the manger. A godfather or godmother — usually those who discovered the infant in the rosca — would adorn the figure of Baby Jesus in elaborate garments to ensure it is prepared for Candlemas Day, during which it will be consecrated and “raised” from the crib amidst prayers.

“It’s the teachings we received from our parents, within our households, and it’s something that results in having a relationship and manifestation of God, of Christ in your household,” Aguilera-Titus stated.

Festivities in the United States

The date for Epiphany falls on Jan. 6 — 12 days following the Nativity — however, in the United States, the observance of Epiphany will take place in 2024 on Sunday, Jan. 7.

Father Jose Cruz Alvarez, the pastor of Sacred Heart in the South Bronx, New York, informed OSV News that while the pandemic previously limited many usual festivities, his parishioners were eager to revive their Epiphany customs in 2023. Thanks to the assistance of a sponsoring parish, the “kings” distributed gifts during the Mass for the local children. This coming Christmas season, the sponsoring parish plans to offer a smaller present — potentially gloves, scarves, or hats — to the children, which will encompass 300 kids from the parish’s religious education program.

The tangible blessings received during the Christmas season — including Epiphany — serve as a reminder that “by receiving, I am invited to share a portion of what God has bestowed upon me,” stated Father Cruz.