Epiphany
Epiphany in Porto: experience the festivities with a local family
Discover Porto in a different way with traditions, gourmet delights and local immersion.
Why celebrate Epiphany in Porto?
In Portugal, January 6th marks Dia de Reis (Three Kings' Day). Families gather to celebrate around an iconic cake, Bolo Rei , and perpetuate ancient traditions blending conviviality, music, and symbolic rituals. For a traveler, it's a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture , far from the typical tourist routes.
Bolo Rei: the king of party cakes
Bolo Rei is a round cake filled with candied fruit and nuts , sometimes flavored with rum and citrus zest. Like in France, it contains a bean: whoever finds it becomes king or queen for the day… and must provide the next cake!
Immerse yourself in a local's home: taste a homemade Bolo Rei, discover family tips for making it soft and fragrant, and enjoy a friendly moment over a Portuguese coffee.
Local songs and traditions
In some neighborhoods, children dress up as the Three Wise Men and sing traditional songs. Residents open their doors to offer sweets or pieces of Bolo Rei .
Participating in these songs and listening to local stories allows you to experience authentic Portuguese conviviality , far from the tourist circuits.
The bean ritual
Whoever finds the bean is crowned king for a day… or has to provide the next cake! Participating in this ritual in a family setting allows you to experience the tradition like the locals , sharing unique moments of complicity and laughter.
An immersive experience that transforms your stay
In a private home, Epiphany becomes a sensory and human experience :
- The scent of orange zest and rum in the Bolo Rei.
- Traditional songs and children's laughter.
- Local anecdotes about how each family celebrates Dia de Reis .
This is the best way to discover Porto beyond the touristy monuments and cafes .
Bolo Rei recipe to keep the party going
To prolong the magic, here's a simple version of Bolo Rei to try at home:
Ingredients :
- 500 g of flour
- 100 g of sugar
- 150g of softened butter
- 3 eggs + 1 yolk for glazing
- 25g of fresh yeast
- 150 ml of lukewarm milk
- 200g of candied fruit (oranges, cherries, lemons…)
- 50g of walnuts and almonds
- 1 tablespoon of rum (optional)
- 1 bean (or small symbolic object)
Preparation :
- Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Mix together the flour, sugar, eggs and butter. Add the milk with the yeast and knead until you obtain a smooth dough.
- Incorporate the candied fruit and nuts.
- Form a ball or a circle (with a hole in the center if desired). Slide the bean into the dough.
- Let it rise for 1 to 2 hours in a warm place.
- Brush with egg yolk and bake at 180°C for 35–40 min.
Local tip: add a splash of rum to the still-warm cake for an authentic Portuguese touch.
Travel advice
- Participate in celebrations at a local's home.
- Taste the Bolo Rei and discover its secrets.
- Sing along with the children and immerse yourself in the local festivities.