While most Americans wrap up the holidays around Christmas Day, many Christians in Spain, Latin America, and other countries continue the celebrations for the actual 12 Days of Christmas, until January 6th. This is known as the Feast of the Epiphany, or or “Three Kings Day.” Even though Three Kings Day may not be a special occasion in most of the U.S., it’s a really big deal in a lot of Hispanic nations.

Three Kings Day marks the day when Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar — also known as “Reyes Magos” and “Magi” —  came visit baby Jesus bearing very specific gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold represents the royalty of the newly born babe, frankincense is a symbol of the worship of a deity, and myrrh represents the death of Jesus and the rebirth He would bring to all.

In Spanish-speaking countries, legend holds tat the kings visit the homes of believers in the dead of night to leave presents for the whole family. It’s no wonder that, for Spanish children, the morning of January 6 is the most magical and anticipated moment of the year.

Here are five destinations to consider if you want to see what this magical holiday is all about. You might even get to meet the Three Kings themselves if you attend the unmissable parades!

Spain

The traditional Roscón de Reyes

Spain really goes all out with its Three Kings Day festivities, stretching the celebration out over two days. The party starts on the evening of January 5th with colorful parades (cabalgatas) and floats all over the country. Spectators are showered with candy and other treats as the floats pass by. The following day, families gather to open presents from the three kings and to feast on more holiday food.

The centerpiece of the feast is the traditional Roscón de Reyes, a sweet bread that is topped with sugar and dried fruits that represent the jewels on the crowns of the Magi. According to tradition, whoever finds the small porcelain toy hidden inside will enjoy good luck throughout the year. The beloved celebration marks the end to the Christmas season in this religious country, so keep that in mind if you were thinking about heading to Spain to keep the holiday spirit alive for a bit longer!

Argentina

Unlike most other countries around the world, Argentina doesn’t really associate Christmas Day with gift-giving. Instead, the days around this holiday are all about food and family togetherness. The gifts come on Three Kings Day on the morning after kids write letters to the three wise men with their list of wishes. Before going to bed, the children set out water and grass for the camels that the kings ride in on. The wise men then leave the gifts for the — well-behaved, of course — children in their shoes placed under the Christmas tree, a tradition inherited from Spain.

Mexico

The Spanish brought the tradition of Three Kings Day to Mexico in the 1500s. That’s why the classic Roscón de Reyes cake also plays an important role in the Mexican celebration of Three Kings Day. After opening the gifts left by the kings on January 6th, families eat the circular sweet bread as they look for the hidden figure of a child that is placed inside each loaf. Tradition dictates that whoever finds the figure is required to provide tamales for the group on Candlemas Day, held on February 2. It is this day that the Virgin Mary is honored in the Mexican culture.

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Portugal

Even if it’s not a Spanish-speaking nation, Portugal leans all the way in on Three Kings Day due to its proximity to Spain, showering children with gifts and indulging in a variety of traditional foods. Here, families gather to celebrate the end of the Christmas holiday season by eating cod with boiled potatoes, king cake, and more. A fava bean is traditionally buried in the king cake, and whoever finds the morsel instructed to provide the cake in the following year’s celebration. It is also customary for people to walk door to door in their neighborhoods and villages singing songs. They may be invited into homes and offered treats and snacks as well as wine.

Puerto Rico

Although you can find celebrations commemorating the Three Kings Day all over the island of Puerto Rico, nobody does it better than the town of Juana Díaz located in the southern tier of the U.S. territory. Known as “the unofficial hometown of the Magi,” Juana Díaz brings together thousands of people to honor this religious tradition. The highlight of the celebration is a parade featuring the three kings wearing colorful robes and riding on horseback. The district of Old San Juan is another good destination to make your home base for these celebrations. If you’re heading to Puerto Rico for the holidays, be sure to check out the popular annual festival at Luis Muñoz Marín Park!

Does your family celebrate Three Kings Day? Tell us about it in the comments below!