Some smells say it all without words. Just opening the box of the Three Kings' cake and letting the aroma of orange blossom water fill the kitchen is enough to let us know that Christmas is drawing to a close and that the Three Kings are about to arrive. Sometimes you don't even need to taste it: that smell alone transports us to other winters, to family afternoon snacks, to laughter with our mouths full, and to the game of guessing who will find the surprise inside this year.
But what many don't know is that the roscón has over two thousand years of history. Before the arrival of the Three Wise Men, there was already a very similar tradition… and its origin takes us directly back to Ancient Rome.
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The Roman Saturnalia: the festival of the bean and the people
During the winter solstice, the Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival where everything was turned upside down. Social hierarchies were suspended for a few days, banquets were shared, and round cakes—similar to a ring-shaped cake—with a bean hidden inside were distributed. Whoever found the bean was named "king of the festival," even if they were a slave.
That small gesture hid something very big: a way of remembering that we all deserve a day of joy, celebration and play.
From the “gâteau des rois” to the Spanish roscón
The tradition of the bean has traveled through the centuries and across borders. In the Middle Ages, in France, the famous gâteau des rois , a crown-shaped cake, was established, concealing the same game: a bean, a surprise, and a celebration. It was probably during the Bourbon era that this custom crossed the Pyrenees and reached the Spanish court.
References to the roscón can be found in Madrid and other cities as early as the 19th century, although it was not filled at that time. It was a spongy pastry with candied fruit—symbolizing the jewels of the roscón—and always, always, the hidden bean.
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The bean and the figurine
Over time, the game grew. A small figurine was added to the bean, which became a symbol of good luck. And of course, that's when the friendly rivalries began: if you got the figurine, great news. But if you got the bean… you had to pay for the next year's Three Kings' Cake.
Each family celebrates it in their own way. In some homes, the figures are kept like little treasures. In others, they laugh at the person who has to pay. And in all of them, that little ritual of carefully cutting, dividing the pieces, and waiting for the "I got it!" is repeated.
Orange blossom water: the soul of the roscón
If there's one ingredient that gives the roscón its soul, it's undoubtedly orange blossom water. That soft, floral fragrance evokes childhood memories and the taste of things done right. It's not just any addition: it's what transforms a dough into a tradition.
At Real Fábrica, we're lucky to have one of the best: Luca de Tena orange blossom water , made with patience and tradition in Seville. It's the secret to many of your homemade roscón de reyes, and mine too.
You can find it here: Luca de Tena Orange Blossom Water
Today, with chocolate and family
Today, the roscón is enjoyed with cream, chocolate truffle, hot chocolate, or simply on its own. But what never changes is the emotion it brings. Because it's not just a sweet treat: it's a symbol of sharing, of something eagerly anticipated and celebrated in good company.
I can't imagine January 6th without that full table, without the beautiful tablecloth, without the leisurely conversation, and without that unmistakable smell that permeates everything.
An ending that always returns
Each roscón marks an end… and a beginning. It's the sweet culmination of Christmas and, at the same time, the start of a new year that invites us to continue celebrating what's authentic. As we always say around here: what's made with care, with history, and with soul… leaves a lasting taste.
Happy Three Kings Day! May you get the figurine, or the bean if necessary… but above all, may you have a beautiful moment to remember.
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Real Fábrica is a project born to celebrate what is ours: quality craftsmanship, things with history and soul. We travel across Spain in search of traditional products, the kind that evoke childhood memories, village life, and long after-dinner conversations. You can discover our pieces in our online store , read the stories we share on our blog , and join our community by subscribing to our newsletter .