Three Wise Men 👑

The customs surrounding Epiphany are diverse and vary greatly from region to region:

Sternsinger:
Children dress up as kings and go from house to house, singing songs and collecting donations for charity. They then write the blessing "C+M+B" (Christus mansionem benedicat – "Christ bless this house") above the front doors.

Three Kings' Cake:
In some regions – for example, in France, Switzerland, and southern Germany – a special cake is baked. A small figurine or almond is hidden inside. Whoever finds it is symbolically crowned "king or queen" and is said to have good luck in the new year.

Church traditions:
Many people attend a church service on January 6 to celebrate the holiday. In some communities, houses are blessed or processions take place.

While in Germany the tradition of carol singers is particularly prominent, in other countries the holiday is associated with large celebrations.
In Spain and many Latin American countries, Día de los Reyes is one of the most important holidays of the year. There are colorful parades, gifts for children, and sweets to commemorate the journey of the kings. In Italy, it is not the wise men who bring the gifts, but the friendly witch Befana, who visits houses and distributes sweets.

Epiphany combines religious history, cultural traditions, and social community. For many people, this day marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of a new year filled with hope, blessings, and small rituals that bring families and neighbors together.