During the early days of January, Mexican bakeries and grocery outlets will be stocked with Rosca de Reyes, a crown-shaped lightly sweetened bread decorated with jewel-like candied fruits that is the traditional Kings Day holiday treat.
Before the loaves go in the oven, the baker stuffs one or more tiny dolls into the raw dough. The infant figures symbolize hiding of the Christ Child for protection from the bloodthirsty King Herod. Excitement rises as families and friends gather to slice the rosca, knowing that anyone who cuts a slice studded with a baby will become a godparent of the Baby Jesus and by extension, host for a traditional Candlemas tamale feast held on February 2.
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