As the holiday season draws to a close, we find ourselves at the threshold of a new year. It’s a time of reflection, celebration, and, most importantly, hope. Here in the Algarve, the New Year brings not only a chance to look ahead but also an opportunity to embrace the traditions that make this season so special.
One such tradition in Portugal is the celebration of Epiphany, or Dia de Reis (Day of the Kings), on 6 January. This marks the culmination of the Christmas season and commemorates the arrival of the Wise Men, or Three Kings, who followed the star to Bethlehem to honour the newborn Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Portuguese homes and communities celebrate this day with great joy. You may notice the bolo ei (king cake) in local bakeries, a colourful, ring-shaped cake adorned with candied fruits that symbolise the jewels of a crown. Inside the cake, there is often a hidden charm or bean, with the finder traditionally being crowned king or queen for the day – or tasked with buying the next cake!
The tradition of the Three Kings reminds us of the universal themes of generosity, humility and wonder. It invites us to reflect on the light that guided the Wise Men and how we might look for guiding lights in our own lives as we step into 2025.
What or who might be your guiding light in 2025?
Every New Year carries with it that sense of hope, and being in this wonderful place, with its stunning coastal beauty, reminds us daily of the gift of renewal.
Whether it’s a walk along the beach or sharing a meal with loved ones, this season encourages us to cherish these moments and to look forward with optimism.
As we all navigate our unique journeys, let us embrace the hope that unites us. The New Year offers a clean slate – a chance to leave behind the challenges of the past and step into a future filled with promise.
So, whether you celebrate Epiphany with a slice of bolo rei or simply enjoy the slower pace of January, I wish you a year filled with light, peace and joy. May the guiding star of hope shine brightly for us all in 2025!
Happy New Year!
Fr Rob Kean is the Anglican Chaplain at Igreja Nossa Senhora da Luz
