roscón de reyes
/roskon de ɾeʝes/from spelling rules
la rosca de reyes refers to the kings' wreath in Spanish.
This phrase refers to a traditional sweet bread shaped like a wreath, which is eaten during the celebration of Epiphany. The bread is often decorated with candied fruits that represent jewels on a crown. A common tradition involves hiding a figurine, often representing niño Jesús (baby Jesus), inside the bread. The person who finds the figurine in their rebanada (slice) is traditionally responsible for hosting the next celebration or buying the next cake.
What does it mean word for word?
The word rosca refers to the ring-like or wreath-like shape of the bread.
Which one should you use?
While rosca is common in Mexico, roscón is the more frequent term used in Spain to refer to this specific sweet bread.
Is it said differently in some regions?
la rosca de reyes is primarily used in Mexico and some other Latin American countries. In Spain, the name used for this pastry is el roscón de reyes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses de reyes (of kings) as a genitive construction to indicate the holiday it is associated with.
When do people say it?
The cake is traditionally decorated with candied fruits to represent jewels on a crown.
Did you know?
- The word rosca is used metaphorically in Spanish to describe a 'clique' or a tight-knit group of influential people who protect each other's interests.
- In certain parts of Mexico, finding the figurine is a playful 'curse' that obligates the person to provide tamales for the celebration of Día de la Candelaria on February 2nd.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, a dried bean is hidden alongside the baby figurine. While finding the baby is a blessing, finding the bean means you are the one who must pay for the cake.
Examples in context
- Compré un roscón de reyes para la familia.I bought a roscón de reyes for the family.
- El roscón de reyes tiene frutas escarchadas.The roscón de reyes has candied fruits.
- ¿Quieres probar un trozo de roscón de reyes?Do you want to try a piece of roscón de reyes?
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are sharing a snack at home during January.
- LucíaMateo, mira este roscón de reyes tan grande.Mateo, look at this roscón de reyes, it is so big.
- Mateo¡Qué buena pinta tiene, Lucía!It looks delicious, Lucía!
- LucíaEspero que no me toque la figura.I hope I don't get the figurine.
- MateoYo solo quiero comer el dulce.I just want to eat the sweet bread.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
