Luminarias are brown paper bags with a votive candle resting on sand at the bottom. Luminarias are said to represent a lighted path for the Holy family on their journey to Bethlehem. Christmas carols are called villancicos. El Dia de los Reyes Magos, Jan. 6, rounds out the holiday season and is in remembrance of the three wise men described in Matthew's Gospel in the New Testament. Inside the bread are placed a tiny baby Jesus doll, whole almonds and coins.
Good luck is promised to anyone who bites into a coin or almond.
Finding the baby Jesus requires giving a party for the same group of the Feast of Candelaria, Feb. 2, honoring Mary's purification and the Baby's dedication in the Temple 40 days after the birth.