Facts about Epiphany

In some European countries, children leave their shoes out on the night before Epiphany to be filled with gifts, while others leave out water and straw for the three Kings' camels. Epiphany Facts

In Venice a traditional regatta that started as a joke in the late 1970s has been incorporated in the celebrations of Epiphany Day. Epiphany Facts

In New York, El Museo del Barrio has celebrated and promoted the Three Kings’ Day tradition with an annual parade for more than three decades. Thousands take part in the procession featuring camels, colorful puppets and floats. Epiphany Facts

In Prague, there is a traditional Three Kings swim to commemorate Epiphany Day at the Vltava River. Epiphany Facts

One of the gifts, the Magi brought was Myrrh. This is a perfume that is put on dead bodies to make them smell nice; Christian believe that it foreshadowed that Jesus would suffer and die. Epiphany Facts

All the gifts brought by the Magi come from east of Israel in Arabia. Epiphany Facts

The word Magi comes from the greek word 'magos' (from which the English word 'magic' comes from) Epiphany Facts

In several Latin American countries, the day's activities involve singing holiday carols called aguinaldos. Epiphany Facts

In Mexico, crowds gather to taste the Rosca de Reyes - Kings' bread. In other countries, a Jesus figurine is hidden in the bread. Whoever finds the statue inside their slice throws a party on Candlemas - February 2nd. Epiphany Facts

One theory about the Magi is that they might have been from the Yemen, as during this time the Kings of Yemen were Jews. Epiphany Facts