SAN ANTONIO — January 6 marks the Christian holiday of the Epiphany.

  • Rosca De Reyes is a sweet pastry
  • The cake symbolizes the crown for the three wise men
  • Baby figurine hidden inside the cake

On this holiday some observant families continue the tradition of the Rosca De Reyes, a sweet pastry.

Mariana Oliver, the chef and owner of Marioli, makes the traditional dessert.

"I think just keeping honest ingredients, high quality, and just your passion," said Oliver. "Transmit your passion through the food so I think that's the secret."


Photo of Rosca De Reyes at Marioli in San Antonio (Lauren Due/Spectrum News)

 

She sees meaning behind each of those ingredients.

"The cherries resemble the jewels on the crown and the Rosca de Reyes symbolizes the crown for the three wise men," said Oliver.

Part of the tradition includes hiding a baby figurine inside the cake to symbolize protecting them from King Herod.

"In the party everyone cuts their own piece because you’re responsible for the piece that you get," said Oliver. "And who ever cuts the piece with the baby Jesus gets to host the party on the Día de la Candelaria which is observed on February the 2nd.”

If you're hosting the next party, Oliver says you’d better have tamales and hot chocolate.

"When I was young, we would get together at my grandma's house and cut it on the fifth and we would leave a shoe on the fireplace for the three wise men to bring us presents,” said Oliver.

Now she gets to bring this cherished childhood memory back to life.

"I love that the tradition is alive," said Oliver.