MANATEE COUNTY – A Suncoast bakery is churning out hundreds of sweet Mexican bread in honor of Three Kings day.
The Holidays aren’t quite over for Roman Catholic’s who celebrate 3 Kings Day and Acapulco Tropical Y Mas is making sure the traditions continue on the Suncoast.
“We take a lot of pride, it’s been more than 16 years without fail, we’ve make hundreds and hundreds of Rosca’s de Reyes and the flavor is the best, and it’s very tasty,” said Manager of Acapulco Tropical Y Mas, Karina Guerra.
The traditional bread is enjoyed in Mexico to commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men to see baby Jesus after his birth and it officially ends the holiday season in Latin America.
The Rosca de Reyes was brought to Mexico about 150 years ago from Europe. Ever since, every Jan. 6 families in Mexico and abroad, gather to celebrate the day with a piece of their sweet bread.
“Our bakers, have been here for three days straight, baking and as soon as they come out they’ve been selling, a lot of people celebrate the 5th, or before that but we’ll have them ready,” said Guerra.
Traditionally, the bread is adorned with dried and candied fruits to symbolize the many jewels that a crown would have. Baker, Francisco Vasquez learned how to make the bread from his father. He says he is happy to continue the tradition.
“The tradition is the little dolls that are inside, this one for example has five dolls, the medium sized one has 4 and the smallest has three, and that is what makes it 3 kings bread,” said Baker, Francisco Vasquez.
The most significant part of La Rosca de Reyes is a hidden figurine that represents baby Jesus. And on Feb. 2, each person who was surprised with a baby Jesus in their slice of bread has to bring a traditional Mexican dish for another gathering.
Acapulco Tropical y Mas is open from 6 AM to 8:30 PM everyday.
The king bread is sold in three different sizes. For more information, you can visit their Facebook page here.
