The holiday spirit continues to thrive in Austin as local bakeries cash in on the seasonal demand for Rosca de Reyes, a staple in celebrating Día de Los Reyes or Three Kings Day on January 6th. Among the bustling pastry shops is Mi Tradicion Panadería, a south Austin favorite that's been handcrafting these traditional cakes for over fifteen years. In anticipation of the Three Kings Day rush, Jesus Guevara, the owner of Mi Tradicion, prepared to meet this year's demand. "In the past years, we always run out of roscas. So this year, we are a little bit more prepared so everybody can get a piece of the rosca," Guevara said in a statement obtained by KXAN.
Indeed, the significance of the Rosca de Reyes is deeply intertwined with Christmas traditions. The festive bread, embellished with colorful candied fruit and distinctive decorations, is more than just a treat. For those unfamiliar with the tradition, finding an embedded little baby statue in your slice means you're on the hook to host a gathering come to Candelaria Day on February 2nd.
Austin residents looking to partake in this sweet custom have no shortage of options. Mi Tradicion isn't the only game in town, as reported by The Austin American Statesman. In addition to Mi Tradicion's two locations on E William Cannon Drive and Research Blvd, which also serve an array of Mexican cuisine, Casa Maria on S 1st St. boasts both a restaurant and bakery offering the cake. Meanwhile, La Reyna Bakery on E William Cannon Drive requires an in-person visit to order, and El Rancho Supermercado, with two locations on Research Blvd and Berkman Drive, makes sure the Rosca de Reyes is an annual fixture in their bakery section.
Despite the proliferation of places to score the festive pastry, Mi Tradicion Panadería stands out on Saturday, dedicating its sales exclusively to the rosca cakes for the grand celebration. Guevara's foresight in preparing for higher production signaled a move towards inclusivity, ensuring that everyone who walks through the doors can participate in the tradition.
