Los tres reyes magos.

Today, Epiphany, is the day of the three magical kings (wise men in other cultures). Parades are held in all the towns on the evening of the 5th, featuring floats carrying the kings and their entourages, all in very colourful and elaborate costumes, throwing sweets to the children lining the route. Loud music and merriment all round - too much for me though, having attended one some years ago in Mahon and nearly being crushed and deafened. At night children will leave a shoe out to be filled with gifts, and larger items next to it, before they wake on the 6th. I did none of that, but we did follow the tradition of the roscón de reyes, or King Cake (extra), which is a yummy confection of sweet dough and candied fruits, and often containing cream. The circular shape of the roscón symbolizes the crown of the Three Kings, while the candied fruits and almonds, which decorate it, represent the jewels and precious stones. Its consumption symbolizes communion and joy shared with family and friends on this special date.The cake traditionally contains two "surprises", a bean and a figurine. The former is a booby prize and the latter confers good fortune and divine protection on the finder. I was the lucky one on this occasion, finding the 1.5" ceramic king. The main picture is that one and two more from previous years to make up the trio - I have about 8 now. I've never seen a black king figure although Balthazar should it seems be so depicted. See this explanation.