Mexican bakeries across the United States have been bustling with activity over the past 24 hours as they celebrate the Day of the Epiphany, a significant date in the Catholic calendar that honors the three wise men who visited Jesus after his birth. Central to these festivities is the Rosca de Reyes, or King’s Cake, a traditional sweet bread that has gained international popularity.
At Mexico Bakery in San Jose, owner Melchor Landin noted an impressive surge in demand for the cake in recent years. On this special day, the bakery anticipated selling about 5,000 Roscas, each of which is shaped like a ring and typically contains two or three figurines of baby Jesus. Once baked and adorned with colorful candy and sugar, the excitement lies in the tradition that accompanies the cake: the person who finds a doll in their slice is tasked with hosting a tamale party on February 2, which is celebrated as Candlemas Day.
This year, however, bakers like Landin are facing a new hurdle—an egg shortage that has driven prices up by 200%. Despite this challenge, the bakery continues to see strong sales, with families eager to partake in this cherished tradition, even at an increased price.
Overall, this year’s celebration highlights the resilience of local businesses and the importance of cultural traditions in bringing communities together. As customers embrace the festive spirit, it showcases how shared traditions can prevail, even amidst challenges like rising costs.
In summary, while challenges such as rising ingredient prices can present obstacles, the enduring appeal of cultural celebrations like the Day of the Epiphany provides hope and fosters unity within communities.