The tradition of sharing rosca de reyes on January 6 remains alive in Mexico with innovations from bakeries and restaurants. From cream fillings to anime themes, options cater to diverse tastes. These creations blend the classic with contemporary touches to celebrate the Magi’s arrival.
The rosca de reyes, a custom originating in the Middle Ages in France and Spain that arrived in Mexico during the Virreinato, is celebrated on January 6 to commemorate the Magi’s visit to the baby Jesus. In recent years, this traditional bread adorned with dried fruits and candied pieces has evolved, incorporating pastry cream fillings, varied toppings, and innovative flavors.
At La Testal, the rosca stands out for its soft, spongy bread with orange notes, offering chocolate or marzipan crusts, decorated with ate, peach, and cherry to evoke neighborhood Mexican bakeries.
Randy’s Donuts transforms its donut dough into a large rosca, glazed and adorned with M&Ms and marshmallows, available until January 7.
Pan de María offers a version with dough enriched with toasted almond and crystallized orange, concha-style crust in vanilla and chocolate with blueberries and Marsala wine; fillings include limoncello, cream, pistachio, or chocolate, plus individual roscas.
Alonso Bistro provides the traditional with balanced flavors, cacao or vanilla crusts, ate strips and almond, six baby Jesus figures, and fillings of cheese with chocolate or raspberry; also mini roscas.
Cielito Querido Café proposes roscas filled with Turin bunnies or unfilled with dried fruits and candied pieces, perfect to pair with Christmas punch or chocolate with chili.
A thematic option emerges at Trigopan: La panadería infinita, in Tlalnepantla, State of Mexico (Calle 20 de Noviembre 23, lot 1, San Lucas Tepetlacalco), with the 'Infinite Rosca' inspired by the anime Demon Slayer. It costs 350 MXN per kilo, with pink or purple costrones, candied fruits, and traditional elements; orders are placed in advance via Instagram (@soyjuanperalta_) or TikTok (Soy Juan Peralta - Panjiro). The bakery also sells donuts of the anime’s pillars and breads like Nezukoncha and Besokito.
These variations preserve the festive essence while appealing to new generations.
