Epiphany
2027Wednesday, January 6
Quick Facts
- Date
- Wednesday, January 6, 2027
- Observed in
- Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil +36 more
- Type
- Christian Holiday
What is Epiphany?
Epiphany, also known as Three Kings' Day or Twelfth Night, is a Christian feast day celebrated on January 6th. It commemorates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ to the Magi, the three wise men who traveled from the East to visit the newborn Jesus.
The word "Epiphany" comes from the Greek "epiphaneia" meaning "manifestation" or "appearance." It marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and is one of the oldest Christian feast days.
In many countries, especially Spain and Latin America, Epiphany is when children receive their Christmas gifts from the Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos), making it a more important celebration than Christmas Day itself.
When is Epiphany 2027?
Epiphany is on Wednesday, January 6 in 2027. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
Epiphany has been celebrated since the 2nd century, making it older than Christmas itself. Originally, it commemorated multiple events: the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, and the wedding at Cana.
The Magi, traditionally named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar, were wise men or astrologers who followed a star to find the newborn King of the Jews. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
In the Eastern Church, Epiphany primarily celebrates the baptism of Jesus, when the Holy Spirit descended upon him as a dove. The Western Church later adopted December 25th for Christmas and January 6th became associated mainly with the Magi.
The tradition of blessing homes and writing the initials of the three kings (C+M+B or 20+C+M+B+25) on doorways dates back to medieval times.
How It's Celebrated
Three Kings Day (Spain & Latin America): Children receive gifts from the Magi. The night before, they leave shoes filled with hay for the camels and receive presents in return.
Galette des Rois (France): A special cake containing a small figurine (feve). Whoever finds it becomes "king" or "queen" for the day and wears a paper crown.
Star Singers (Central Europe): Groups of children dressed as the Three Kings go door-to-door singing carols and blessing homes with chalk inscriptions.
Blessing of Waters: In Orthodox countries, priests bless bodies of water and people take ice-cold plunges to retrieve a cross.
La Befana (Italy): A friendly witch brings gifts to children on Epiphany Eve, filling stockings with candy or coal.
King Cake: Various cultures have special cakes with hidden objects, similar to the French galette.
Chalk Blessing: Homes are blessed by writing "20+C+M+B+25" above doorways (Christus Mansionem Benedicat).
Where It's Observed
Epiphany is a public holiday in 16 countries. In 2027, it falls on Wednesday, January 6.
Fun Facts
- The Three Kings Parade in Madrid is one of the oldest Christmas parades in the world, dating back to 1866
- The Cologne Cathedral claims to house the bones of the Three Magi, brought from Milan in 1164
- In Spain, more gifts are given at Epiphany than at Christmas
- The tradition of the Galette des Rois in France dates back to the 14th century
- In Poland, Epiphany became a public holiday again in 2011 after decades of being a regular work day
- The star singers tradition has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage
- La Befana is said to have been invited by the Magi to join them but refused, and now searches for the Christ child every year
- In some countries, Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on Epiphany
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Epiphany called Three Kings Day?
Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi (wise men) to baby Jesus. Although the Bible doesn't specify their number, the three gifts mentioned (gold, frankincense, myrrh) led to the tradition of three kings. They were later named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar.
What is the Galette des Rois?
The Galette des Rois (King Cake) is a French pastry eaten on Epiphany. It's made of puff pastry filled with almond cream (frangipane) and contains a small figurine called a feve. Whoever finds the feve becomes king or queen for the day and wears a paper crown.
Who is La Befana?
La Befana is a folklore figure in Italy who brings gifts to children on Epiphany Eve (January 5th). Legend says she was visited by the Magi on their way to Bethlehem. She declined to join them but later tried to find Jesus, and now visits children every year, leaving treats for good children and coal for naughty ones.
What do star singers do?
Star singers (Sternsinger) are groups of children in Central Europe who dress as the Three Kings and go door-to-door singing carols and collecting donations for charity. They bless homes by writing C+M+B and the year above doorways with blessed chalk.
Is Epiphany a public holiday?
Epiphany is a public holiday in many countries including Spain, Italy, Austria, Poland, Greece, and parts of Germany and Switzerland. In other countries like the US and UK, it's observed but not a public holiday.
What does C+M+B mean above doorways?
The chalk inscription C+M+B (often written as 20+C+M+B+25 for the year 2025) has two meanings: it represents the traditional names of the Three Kings (Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar) and also stands for 'Christus Mansionem Benedicat' (May Christ bless this house).
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around Epiphany? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
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