As the holiday lights begin to dim and the New Year settles in, a centuries-old tradition marks the transition from Christmas to the vibrant spirit of Carnival. Twelfth Night, falling on January 5 or 6, 2026, is the official herald of the King Cake season.

Twelfth Night marks the 12th day after Christmas, known in the Christian tradition as Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day. It commemorates the arrival of the Three Magi in Bethlehem to present gifts to the baby Jesus. Historically, it was a night of great pageantry and “misrule,” where social hierarchies were flipped and commoners could be crowned “king” for a day.

• Symbolism of Color: Traditional cakes are adorned with sugar or icing in three specific colors: Purple for justice, Green for faith, and Gold for power.
• The Hidden Surprise: The most famous element is the hidden trinket—originally a bean, pea, or coin—which has evolved into a small plastic baby representing the infant Jesus.
• Finding the Baby: Tradition dictates that whoever finds the baby in their slice is crowned “king” or “queen” for the day, bringing good luck for the year. However, this “blessing” comes with a responsibility: the finder is tasked with purchasing the next king cake or hosting the next Carnival party.