Tamale Day, Candlemas and Masks in Patzcuaro, Michoacan
February 2, or Candlemas, is celebrated throughout the Catholic world as the end of the Christmas season. It marks the 40 days after the birth of Jesus, when Mary goes to the Temple in Jerusalem to purify herself. In Hebrew tradition, this is the mikveh ritual bath. In Catholicism, it has become embedded in the […]
Leftover Rosca de Reyes Bread Pudding Recipe
After about a day, Rosca de Reyes becomes more like dry cake, good for dunking into coffee or hot chocolate, but not so tasty for eating plain. What to do? Make bread pudding, of course. I got a little carried away in the Teotitlan del Valle market and bought three Roscas. They are so pretty. […]
Rosca de Reyes and Three Kings Day in Oaxaca
Here in Oaxaca the tradition is to celebrate Three Kings Day, Dia de los Reyes, January 6, with gift-giving to the children. Godparents visit the homes of godchildren, godchildren come to the homes of godparents. They will present a Rosca de Reyes, that translates to wreath of the kings. They sit down to a cup of […]
It’s not too late to celebrate Mexico’s Three Kings Day, today!
Here’s my debut feature story at Mexico News Daily published today! I hope you enjoy. Again, happiest New Year. http://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexicolife/celebrate-kings-day-with-rosca-de-reyes/
Three Kings Day and Rosca de Reyes, Oaxaca, Mexico
It’s January 6, Three Kings Day in Mexico, that marks Christmas celebrations in Latin America and Spain, culminating in the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The children especially gather around to open gifts, sip hot chocolate made with water, no milk, and dig into tamales and Rosca de Reyes. Everyone loves Rosca de […]
Christmas in Oaxaca: Three Wise Men and Rosca de Reyes
It feels like springtime here in Oaxaca, although we are still celebrating Christmas. Yesterday was downright warm, with temperatures rising to the low 80’s, though nights can be a chilly 45 or 50 degrees. Christmas here is an elaborate and lengthy celebration, starting on December 12 to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe and officially ending […]
Rosca de Reyes for Day of the Three Kings in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca
From January 4 to 7, the bakers in the village turn their attention to creating roscas de reyes, a traditional sweet bread adorned with conchas, candied figs, nopal cactus and red pepper strips. For three or four days, there will be no other bread to buy. We get our fill of this luscious cake-like treat. […]
Hot Chocolate and Rosca de Reyes: Post New Year’s Tradition
Last night, after supper under the stars at Samburguesas munching on chile relleno torta and sipping Corona, we piled into the van to visit the godchildren of Dolores and Federico and bring them a rosca. This is a large egg bread ring topped with candied fruits, sugar, and hidden little plastic babies baked inside. Whomever […]