Rosca de reyes

Rosca de reyes (fruit cake) is a very fine cake prepared carefully and delicately. Although the name indicates that it should be round, the Mexican “rosca de reyes” generally has an oval shape due to the need to make cakes larger than 30cm across for larger parties. For luxurious decoration, Mexican people use tanned and fig fruit, quinces, cherries, etc.; which besides from making it pretty, enriches its flavor.

The tradition of placing a candy or a bean inside the fruitcake is very old. Whoever found the bean or candy, was forced spiritually to take a “niño Dios” (a representation of baby Jesus) to the nearest church of its house the 2nd February (Día de la Candelaria). The replacement of the bean or candy for a plastic or ceramic “niño Dios” emerged because sometimes when the person ate the piece of the fruitcake swallowed the bean or candy to avoid the compromise.

See also

*King cakeThe baby Jesus represents when hidden in the bread represents the flight of Jesus, fleing from King Herod's evil plan. He who finds the small baby Jesus is blessed.

References

* 1991. Tradiciones Mexicanas. Pg 22, 31. Mexico, D.F., Ed. Diana S.A.de C.V., ISBN 968-13-2203-7
* 1998. Fiestas de México. Pg. 76, México, D.F., Panorama Editorial S.A. de C.V, ISBN 968-38-00-48-3