Celebrate Three King’s Day in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, Christmas is not over until a visit from the Reyes Magos, or Three Kings.

On the night of January 5, children fill shoeboxes with fresh grass from the garden and place them beside their beds or Christmas trees. The smells of pernil and pasteles, music fills the family rooms, as excitement builds for the arrival of the tres reyes.

By morning, the grass will be gone, with some scattered around the house and presents waiting to be opened.

Celebrated on January 6, Día de Reyes, or Three Kings Day, is one of Puerto Rico´s most cherished Christmas traditions. If you visit during this time, you can experience parades, traditional Puerto Rican food, local art, and a holiday custom passed down through generations.

Family enjoying a canoe near Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, during the holiday season.

Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico: What to Know

When: January 6, with traditions beginning on the evening of January 5
What it celebrates: The arrival of the Three Wise Men, known in Spanish as the Reyes Magos
What is the tradition: Children leave shoeboxes filled with grass for the Three Kings' horses before going to sleep
Where to celebrate: Juana Díaz is one of Puerto Rico´s best-known destinations for Three Kings Day, while towns across the Island host their own events
What you will experience: Parades, live music, artisans, Boricua holiday food, and the Three Kings arriving on horseback
What to eat: Pernil, arroz con gandules, pasteles, tembleque, arroz con dulce, and coquito
Before you arrive: Events schedules vary by town and year, so check the local events calendar before your trip

Wooden carving for Three King's Day — Three King's Day is celebrated on January 6.

The Tradition of Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico

The celebrations begin before the Three Kings arrive, on January 5!

Children cut fresh grass and place it inside a shoebox under the bed, near the Christmas tree, or somewhere the Three Kings can easily find it. The grass is meant for the horses carrying the Reyes Magos.

While the biblical Three Kings are often shown traveling by camel, Puerto Rican tradition commonly pictures them arriving on horseback.

It is a night filled with anticipation. Children go to sleep knowing that sometime before morning, the Three Kings may arrive.

Learn More about Día de Reyes

Lights adorn a museum in Juana Diaz. — Celebrate Three Kings Day anywhere on the Island, like historic Juana Díaz.

How Puerto Rico Celebrates Three Kings Day

January 6 is when the celebration comes fully to life!

By morning, the grass has disappeared, and gifts are waiting. Families gather around the table, and towns across the Island celebrate Día de Reyes with music, food, parades, and fiestas.

If you are visiting during this special day, get out and experience the magic in person.

What to Do on January 6

Attend a Día de Reyes celebration: Check out our Events Calendar for events, parades, concerts, and family activities happening in towns across the Island
See the Three Kings on horseback: In places such as Juana Díaz, the arrival of the reyes is one of the day's can't-miss moments
Visit a town plaza: Community celebrations often bring together music, artisans, food vendors, and families
Try Puerto Rican holiday food: It's the best time to eat pernil, arroz con gandules, pasteles, tembleque, arroz con dulce, and drink coquito
Visit local artisan markets: Look for carved santos, ceramics, and other handmade pieces inspired by the Reyes

Local Tip: Bring the kids along! At many Three Kings Day celebrations, los Reyes greet families and hand out gifts to the children.

Traditional Puerto Rican Christmas dishes like pernil, arroz con gandules, pasteles, tembleque, and arroz con dulce featured on the holiday menu. — The holiday menu in Puerto Rico includes local favorites like pernil, arroz con gandules, pasteles, tembleque, and arroz con dulce.

Discover the Flavors and Sounds of Día de Reyes

Food and music are at the heart of Puerto Rico’s holiday gatherings. Plates are passed around the table, familiar songs fill the room, and the celebration often continues long after the meal is finished.

Traditional Puerto Rican Holiday Foods

Pernil: Slow-roasted pork seasoned with garlic and Puerto Rican spices
Arroz con gandules: Rice cooked with pigeon peas, a favorite on Puerto Rican holiday tables
Pasteles: Savory bundles made with root vegetables or plantain dough, filled with seasoned meat and wrapped in banana leaves
Tembleque: Coconut pudding usually topped with cinnamon
Arroz con dulce: Sweet rice pudding made with coconut milk and warm spices
Coquito: A creamy coconut holiday drink often made with rum

Explore Puerto Rican holiday recipes

Parrandas and Puerto Rican Holiday Music

Hear someone shout ¡Asalto! and get ready for the music to begin. A parranda is a musical holiday visit where a group arrives at a home singing and playing instruments. What begins as a surprise can turn into a larger celebration as more people join along the way.

What you may hear: Cuatro, güiro, panderos, guitar, and voices singing together
What happens: The group performs at one home before moving on to another
What to expect: Singing, laughter, food, drinks, and plenty of holiday energy

Learn about Puerto Rican parrandas

The Museo de los Santos Reyes is the first museum dedicated exclusively to the history of Three King's Day.

Visit the Home of the Three Kings

Although the biblical stories specify these Magi arrive from the Orient following a star, the Magi in Puerto Rico helm from the south of the Island, specifically from the town of Juana Díaz. Every January 6th, the municipality hosts the longest-standing and most visited Three Kings Day festival on the Island, celebrated for over 130 years.

There, you'll find local artisans, food stalls, and lively music. However, the festival's main attraction is the arrival of the Magi of Juana Díaz riding horseback and leading a parade through the town. They hand out presents and candy to all the children at the festival and become part of a huge "block party." If you're arriving after this day, you can still visit the Museo de los Tres Santos Reyes, a place dedicated exclusively to the history of these figures.

Explore the South Region

More Holiday Season Festivities

The holiday season is not over after Three Kings Day! January 7th marks the beginning of Las Octavitas, and leads up to Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, which starts a new cycle of festivals throughout the year.

Holiday Festivals in Puerto Rico

Three Kings Day Events in Juana Díaz

On January 6, Juana Díaz becomes one of the best places in Puerto Rico to experience Día de Reyes. Often called the Home of the Three Kings and known as the City of the Three Kings, the southern town has celebrated the holiday for more than 130 years.

See the Three Kings arrive: The Magi arrive on horseback and make their way through town as families gather for the annual celebration.
Join the festivities: Expect live music, local food, artisans, family activities, and plenty of holiday energy throughout the day.
Bring the kids: Los Reyes greet children and traditionally hand out gifts and candy during the celebration.
Visit Casa Museo de los Santos Reyes: Stop at the Casa Museo de los Santos Reyes to learn more about the history and cultural importance of the Three Kings tradition.
Explore the town center: Look for Three Kings imagery, local artisans, holiday displays, and other details that show how deeply the tradition is woven into Juana Díaz.
Plan ahead: Check current event times, parade routes, museum hours, parking, and road closures before you go.

Hit play and dance your way into paradise!

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