Local bakeries celebrate Da de Los Reyes

It’s a sweet baking tradition being celebrated by Latino families in the valley and around the country — called Roscas de Reyes, which translates to “kings’ wreaths.”

It’s a type of sweet bread that is baked into the shape of a wreath with a few tiny figurines of baby Jesus hidden in the dough — and only eaten on January 6th.

“It’s special because everybody is together,” said an employee at Mi Tierra Bakery in Coachella.

The bread is baked in honor of Dia de los Reyes, also known as “Three Kings’ Day,” which celebrates the day it is believed that the three wise men visited baby Jesus.

“They start off with the regular basics like flour, milk, eggs…then they toss the dough once it’s done they spread it out, put the babies, roll it up, and then put milk on top…put the fruit,” said another baker at Mi Tierra.

The bright colored dried fruit on top symbolizes the gems on the crowns of the three kings.

Families slice the bread and whoever’s slice contains the hidden baby Jesus figurine then has to provide tamales on February 2nd.

Mi Tierra bakery in Coachella baked over 1000 wreaths in preparation for the holiday.

“It’s been busy since Friday…today is probably the busiest day. People have been ordering online, ordering on the phone, coming in to order,” said an employee.