Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico: Traditions and How to Celebrate at Home

For many Puerto Rican kids, the most anticipated day of the year isn't December 25—it's January 6. Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico (Día de Reyes) is one of the island's most beloved traditions: on the eve, children gather grass for the camels, put it in a little box under the bed and go to sleep early, hoping Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar will stop by.

This guide covers where the tradition comes from, how it's celebrated on the island and how to keep it alive at home, especially if you live far away.

Who the Three Kings are

In Christian tradition, the Magi—Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar—followed a star from the East to Bethlehem to worship the Christ Child, bringing gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Church celebrates the Epiphany on January 6, and in Puerto Rico, as in Spain and much of Latin America, that date became the big gift-giving day for children.

The Kings also have a strong presence in Puerto Rican folk art: hand-carved wooden santos, paintings and figures of the three Kings, often shown on horseback, are part of the island's popular art.

The box of grass for the camels

It's the sweetest ritual of the holiday. On the afternoon of January 5, children gather fresh grass, put it in a shoebox—or a special box—and leave it under the bed. Some add a glass of water and a letter to the Kings. Overnight, the camels eat the grass and the Kings leave gifts. In the morning the box is empty and the surprise is waiting.

For a special touch, the Three Kings gift box can hold the grass on the eve and the gifts the next morning.

Three Kings traditions in Puerto Rico

Promesas de Reyes

Faith celebrations in which a family fulfills a promise made to the Three Kings, with a sung rosary, traditional music and food for guests. It's a tradition with rural roots still kept alive in many towns.

The Three Kings festival in Juana Díaz

Juana Díaz is known as Puerto Rico's town of the Three Kings. It hosts one of the island's most traditional Three Kings celebrations every year and has a museum dedicated to the Santos Reyes.

The Kings visit the towns

In January, many municipalities hold events where the Kings hand out toys to children.

Las Octavitas

The party doesn't end on January 6. The following eight days, the Octavitas, extend the celebration to mid-month. More in Christmas in Puerto Rico.

How to celebrate Three Kings Day at home

1. Decorate with the Kings from December. A Three Kings canvas in the living room or a wooden Three Kings sign sets the mood. More ideas in Puerto Rican Christmas decorations.
2. Set up the nativity with a nativity scene with manger and place the Kings far from it; move them a little closer each day until they arrive on January 6. Kids love following the journey.
3. Hang wooden ornaments on the tree: Three Kings ornaments or the mini round ornament with camel.
4. Prepare the box of grass on the afternoon of January 5, with the letter to the Kings.
5. Celebrate as a family on January 6 with a special breakfast: hot chocolate or café con leche in Three Kings mugs and something sweet on the table.

Three Kings Day away from the island

In the States, January 6 is a regular work and school day, and that's the challenge: keeping the tradition alive so kids growing up far away know it. A few ideas:

• Celebrate the eve on January 5 with the box of grass, even if it's grass from the park or a box decorated at home.
• Tell them the story and what it meant to you as a child.
• Play Three Kings music and aguinaldos while you prepare the box.
• Give something that connects them to the island: a Three Kings flag T-shirt, classic candy or instruments.

Ordering from the U.S.? Order early so it arrives before January 5. Shipping to the continental U.S. is 50% off, and orders over $100 get 10% off automatically in the cart.

Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico FAQ

When is Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico?

January 6. On the eve, the night of January 5, children leave a box of grass for the camels.

Why do kids leave grass in a box on Three Kings Day?

To feed the Three Kings' camels on their journey. In return, the Kings leave gifts for the children.

What are promesas de Reyes?

Family religious celebrations where a promise to the Kings is fulfilled with a sung rosary, music and food.

Which Puerto Rican town is known for the Three Kings?

Juana Díaz, home to one of the island's most traditional Three Kings celebrations.