Dia de los Reyes brings early mornings and busy ovens to San Antonio bakeries.
SAN ANTONIO — Today marks Día de los Reyes or Three Kings Day, a cherished tradition in many Latin American cultures that celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus.
For many bakers across the city, the day started early. At Nadler’s Bakery & Deli, owner Alexia Nadler-Mendez and her team have been up since 4 a.m., crafting their unique European twist on this traditional treat. While the cake does come with the babies on the side, they are not baked inside the bread like most locations.
“We have two types of king cakes,” said Nadler-Mendez. “One is the traditional Mexican-style Rosca with candied fruits and a hidden baby, and the other is a New Orleans-style king cake, decorated with purple, gold and green sugars which represents power, faith and justice.”
Nadler’s adds a European twist to their roscas, offering a decadent almond-filled version alongside their festive New Orleans-style cake. While the cake does come with the babies on the side, they are not baked inside the bread.
For those seeking a more traditional Rosca de Reyes, Panadería Jiménez is the place to go. Their recipe has been passed down through generations and their focus is on preserving the authentic flavors and symbolism of this iconic bread.
“Our Rosca de Reyes symbolizes the three kings,” explained baker Aby Gallegos. “The oval shape represents their crown and the hidden babies inside are a special part of the tradition.”
Gallegos shared that families began lining up early in the morning to secure their roscas. By 11 a.m., Panadería Jiménez had completely sold out.
“The tradition is so popular that even I had to order mine a week in advance, and I work here,” Gallegos said with a laugh. “Next year, you can start picking them up the day after New Year’s.”
For many families in San Antonio, the Rosca de Reyes is more than just a sweet treat, it is a centerpiece for celebrating culture and togetherness. The person who finds the baby hidden inside the rosca is tasked with hosting a “tamalada” on Día de la Candelaria on February 2, a tradition that brings loved ones together once again.
As San Antonians gathered around their roscas today, the spirit of Día de los Reyes lives on, reminding everyone of the importance of family, faith, and tradition.
For those who missed out on their Rosca de Reyes this year, Nadler’s Bakery will continue offering their New Orleans-style king cake through Fat Tuesday on March 4th. Mark your calendars and get your orders in early next year!