KEEPING THE FAMILY TRADITION: CELEBRATING DIA DE LOS REYES

Today is January 6 and a well known day all over in the Hispanic culture. This is the day known as the “The Three Wise Men Day” or as we call it el Dia de los Reyes, it’s a week after New Year’s Day where many Mexican families including my own come together in celebration. El Dia De Reyes is in celebration of remembering the day when the Three Wise Men (Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar) followed the star and were guided to Bethlehem and arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold to Jesus Christ.

This biblical story is a cultural staple and tradition for Latinos. In many countries the small children await the arrival of the Three Kings to receive their gifts. In fact many Mexican children don’t wait on the arrival of “Santa Claus” for presents on Christmas Day but rather on The Three Wise Men. It’s a way of closing the Christmas festivities for us as many people of Mexico. As they use this day to exchange gifts with one another.

I think the biggest tradition we have kept is the Rosca de Reyes. It is traditionally eaten to celebrate Epiphany. It’s a big deal for us Latinos as many people go to the Markets and Bakeries to purchase their Rosca. You will noticed it’s an oval sweetbread decorated with candied fruit. And ever since I was young my family and I have been going to Arandas Bakery to purchase our Rosca. Which is why I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner up with them during this important celebration in our culture.

The Rosca de Reyes is shaped in an oval to symbolize a crown and has one or several small dolls inside which represents baby Jesus. Traditionally roscas are adorned with dried and candied fruits to symbolize the many jewels that a crown would have. And the fun part of it all is that the person who gets the slice with the baby Jesus doll must host a party on Dia de la Cadelaria in February.

We got to do some behind the scenes of the making of a rosca and were so pleased with the staff and owner of Arandas Bakery. It was a complete  honor to partner with such a big franchise here in Houston.

Their large production and top quality food is impressive. Every ingredient they use is natural with no preservatives. Talking to the owner of Arandas Bakery I got to know more details of what it takes to make a rosca, why they taste different and superior to many competitors here. Overall all the steps and the hard work these workers put in everyday to provide for the Houston people. Getting to share this experienced with my kids was amazing as they also got to be included in learning more about our culture and our traditions that have been passed on for many years now.

So if you are looking for the freshest and most delicious rosca in Houston and lets not forget the one of a kind pan dulce then this is the place to go. They sure know how to welcome you and treat you like family.

Arandas Bakery currently has 5 locations:

• Arandas Bakery #1 – Airline & Tidwell
• Arandas Bakery #2 – Beechnut
• Arandas Bakery #3 – 45 Sur & College
• Arandas Bakery #4 – 59 Norte & Aldine Mail Rd
• Arandas Bakery #5 – Conroe