Organizers in Santiago, Veraguas confirmed the giant “Rosca de Reyes” celebration will proceed this January 6. They plan to break their own national record by constructing an 850-meter-long sweet bread for the community to share. This event marks the 21st anniversary of a local tradition that draws thousands to a Santiago park for Three Kings’ Day.
The massive communal bread serves as the centerpiece for a day of cultural activities and family gatherings. Project leaders say the event’s sustained growth over two decades highlights its importance as a regional tradition. Its ultimate length each year depends directly on community participation and sponsor support.
“This project began 21 years ago as a community dream that has grown steadily,” organizers stated. [Translated from Spanish] They extended an open invitation for the public to join this traditional celebration aimed at uniting as many people as possible.
Final preparations are now underway in Santiago, Veraguas. The team must coordinate the baking and assembly of hundreds of bread segments. They expect families from across multiple provinces to attend the daytime event, which emphasizes civic and orderly participation.
A Growing Community Tradition
What started as a local initiative now symbolizes regional pride. Families anticipate the event for its unique blend of food, culture, and community spirit. Organizers describe it as a space for coexistence and shared joy across generations.
They reiterated their goal to keep expanding the bread’s size in future editions. The 2026 target of 850 meters sets a new benchmark for Panama. This year’s gathering continues to strengthen the social fabric of the Azuero region and beyond.
The tradition parallels similar large-scale celebrations in other countries. Mexico, for instance, often creates Rosca de Reyes loaves stretching several kilometers in public plazas. The custom of hiding small figurines inside the bread remains common.
A Widespread Cultural Celebration
Three Kings’ Day on January 6 commemorates the biblical Magi’s visit. The sweet, ring-shaped bread is a staple of the holiday in many Spanish-speaking nations. Each country adds its own unique customs to the celebration.
In Spain, the “Roscón” often contains cream or truffle filling. A hidden figurine and a bean are baked inside. Finding the figurine brings good luck, while the bean finder traditionally pays for the treat.
Mexican tradition includes hiding figurines of the Baby Jesus. Those who find one in their slice must host a party on February 2, Candlemas Day, and provide tamales. The celebration holds deep cultural significance across Mexico.
In Puerto Rico, the bread is part of broader religious and community festivities. Other nations like Colombia maintain the rosca as a symbol of family unity and Christian faith. The tradition’s adaptability allows it to flourish from puerto rico to Panama.
Santiago’s event this Tuesday aims to capture that unifying spirit. Organizers hope the record-breaking bread will create a memorable experience for all attendees. They view the gathering as a powerful testament to shared tradition and local initiative.