Twelfth Night Celebrations across Different Countries: A Comparative Analysis

Twelfth Night is a widely celebrated holiday across different countries, although it may be known by different names, such as Epiphany, Three Kings’ Day, or Día de los Reyes Magos. The date of celebration varies depending on the country, but it is usually observed on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas.

Twelfth Night in Italy: Mufloni, Masquerades and More

In Italy, the celebration of Epiphany is marked by the arrival of La Befana, a witch-like character who delivers presents to children. According to legend, La Befana was visited by the Magi on their journey to Bethlehem but declined to join them. Later, she regretted her decision and set out to find the baby Jesus, leaving gifts for children in case she found him. Today, children hang stockings or shoes outside, hoping that La Befana will fill them with sweets and presents.

A Look at Twelfth Night Celebrations in Spain: Three Kings’ Day and Roscón de Reyes.

In Spain, Three Kings’ Day (La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos) is one of the most important holidays, especially for children. On the night before, a parade is held in many towns and cities, with the Three Wise Men riding on camels and throwing sweets to the crowds. They also visit homes, where children leave out their shoes for them to fill. Traditionally, children receive toys and sweets, but as they get older, they may receive clothing or practical gifts instead.

In France, Twelfth Night (La Fête des Rois) is celebrated with the Galette des Rois, a puff pastry cake with almond filling. A small figurine (fève) is hidden inside, and whoever finds it becomes king or queen for the day and wears a crown. In some regions, a second figurine is hidden, and the person who finds it becomes the king or queen’s consort. The cake is usually cut into as many pieces as there are people present, with an extra slice for the first person to visit the home after the cake has been cut.

In Mexico, Día de los Reyes Magos is celebrated with a Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread shaped like a wreath. As in France, a small figurine is hidden inside, and the person who finds it becomes the godparent of the baby Jesus in the nativity scene. This person is also expected to bring tamales or other food to the party on February 2nd, Candlemas Day.

In the UK, Twelfth Night was traditionally a day of feasting and merriment. The Twelfth Night cake was a fruity cake, similar to a Christmas cake, with a bean and a pea hidden inside. The person who found the bean became the Lord of Misrule and the person who found the pea became the Queen of the Bean. They presided over the celebrations and games, and everyone had to obey their commands. Nowadays, however, it is more common to explore the age-old comedy of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night as a theatrical performance.

In conclusion, while Twelfth Night may be celebrated differently across different countries, the common themes of feasting, gift-giving, and the celebration of the epiphany unite them. The traditions also show how people from different cultures have adapted the same holiday to reflect their own traditions and beliefs. One thing is for certain, Twelfth Night offers the opportunity to gather with family and friends, to share joy and love, to eat, drink and be merry, and to celebrate together the joy of the Epiphany.