Mérida’s Giant Rosca Tradition Might Not Return in 2026

Did the Pandemic kill Mérida’s famous giant-rosca tradition?

For nearly a quarter century, Mérida’s hotel zone transformed into a massive bakery each January as rival establishments joined forces to create the Southeast’s largest rosca de reyes. But that beloved tradition appears headed for the history books.

The 2.4-kilometer cake hasn’t been served since January 2020 — just before Pandemic lockdowns — and officials from participating hotels say there’s no indication the event will return for Three Kings Day 2026.

“We don’t have any information about organizing the activity in 2026,” a representative from one of the formerly participating hotels told Diario de Yucatán. The collaborative effort, which once brought together the Hyatt Regency, Fiesta Americana, Holiday Inn, Presidente Intercontinental and El Conquistador, ended when COVID-19 shuttered public gatherings.

The tradition that fed thousands

At its peak, the “Rosca de Reyes Grande del Sureste” drew more than 3,000 people to Avenida Colón between Paseo de Montejo and Calle 60. The event typically started at 5 p.m. and ran until 10 p.m., featuring music, children’s shows and 20,000 servings of the traditional sweet bread.

Bakers used more than 13,500 eggs, 270 liters (71 gallons) of milk, 2,150 kilograms (4,740 pounds) of flour and 620 kilograms (1,367 pounds) of candied fruit to create the massive rosca. About 250 servings contained hidden plastic baby Jesus figurines, which could be exchanged for toys or meals at the participating hotels.

The bread sold for 30 pesos per slice with a refreshment included — roughly $1.65 at 2020 exchange rates. All proceeds went to local charities including the Caimede Board, Home of Loreto, the Single Mother Care Center of Yucatán, Pastoral del Amor and the Elda Peniche Foundation.

A Mexican tradition

The rosca de reyes celebrates Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, which marks the biblical arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem. In Mexican tradition, children receive gifts from the Magi on Jan. 6 rather than from Santa Claus on Christmas.

The oval-shaped bread represents a royal crown, while the candied fruits symbolize jewels. Hidden figurines represent how Mary and Joseph concealed Jesus from King Herod’s troops. Anyone who finds a figurine in their slice traditionally hosts a tamale party on Feb. 2 for Día de la Candelaria.

Though businesses reopened after pandemic restrictions lifted, no hotel has announced plans to revive Mérida’s giant rosca. The absence of promotional materials for 2026 suggests the tradition won’t return for the upcoming Three Kings Day celebration.

Three Kings Day

• Date: Jan. 6, 2026
• Also called: Día de los Reyes, Epiphany
• Tradition: Children leave shoes out the night before to receive gifts from the three wise men
• Food: Families share rosca de reyes, a sweet bread topped with candied fruit
• Custom: Whoever finds the hidden figurine hosts a tamale party on Feb. 2