8/10/2023 0 Comments Dia de reyesKiara Gordillo and her husband moved to the United States a few years back after struggling to find work in Puerto Rico.Īlongside her three daughters, Gordillo makes sure that every year, no matter how cold or snowy it is outside, she and her family go out to pick grass for the camels. It’s different from being in Puerto Rico.īut the majority of the comments said a common phrase: ¡ Qué no se pierda la tradición!, which means, "Don’t let the tradition die." The neighboring houses all took down their decorations, the holiday spirit had left. The usual snow also makes it hard to find grass for the camels. Among the common reasons were that Jan. 6 is not a holiday in the states, so parents had to work and kids had to go to school. However, when I reached out to a group of Puerto Ricans in my community to see how they celebrated Día de Reyes, I was surprised.įor many, the celebration of the holiday was impossible. I was lucky enough to grow up on the island and experience those traditions first hand, and when I landed in Rochester, NY a year-and-a-half ago, I noticed the vibrant and present Puerto Rican community. I knew that come January, the Three Kings Day tradition would be alive and well. At home, children would still be on break and would spend the day with their families, just like Christmas. In most Latin American countries, Three Kings Day is observed as a national holiday celebrated with larger-than-life parades.Ĭelebrations in Puerto Rico often include parades, with three men dressed as the Wise Men, and music and dancing. This generosity, known as Epiphany, birthed a tradition that's become one of the most beloved holidays in Hispanic and Latin American households worldwide.īy the time the New Year arrives in the United States, Christmas decorations come down, school starts and most people move on from the holiday season.įor those who celebrate Día de los Reyes Magos, Three Kings Day, the joy extends well into January.Ĭelebrations for the Feast of Epiphany vary depending on the country. Three Kings Day: Are businesses missing out on the 'second Christmas'?Īccording to the Christian Bible, days after Jesus was born, three wise men visited the manger and brought gold, myrrh and frankincense. In the mornings, the grass would be strewn across the floor, meaning that the Three Wise Men - Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar, and their respective camels - had come in the night to give us gifts. The procession will finish with a huge musical show and fireworks! The next day, Friday the 6th of January, is a public holiday so many businesses are closed, including Euroace.But on Jan. 5, on the eve of Three Kings Day, my brother and younger cousins and I would go to the yard to pick up grass, put it in a shoebox under the bed, and fall asleep with the hope that presents would replace the vegetation. After the Parade is over, the Three Kings will address the children from the balcony of the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). They will begin their traditional parade at 6pm in Paseo de la Alameda, passing through the streets of the city center until they arrive at the City Hall. The Three Kings will come to Valencia by sea on Thursday the 5th of January, from the Valencia Marina. What’s happening in Valencia for this holiday? The second is a toy – whoever finds this is king or queen for the day! One is a fava bean – whoever finds this is said to buy the Roscón the following year. Inside there are two objects hidden for everyone to find. It’s also a perfect time to taste the ring-shaped cake called Roscón de Reyes. It’s Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar, the Three Kings! With the arrival of these Wise Men on January the 5th commences a spectacular parade through the streets, with sweets and treats being thrown to the many excited children in the crowd. Instead of receiving gifts from Santa on Christmas morning, in Spain the children receive gifts from the Three Kings either on the evening of January 5th, or the morning of January 6th.Īlthough Spaniards celebrate Christmas, Santa Claus is not the one who brings children their gifts. The Three Kings, or “Los Reyes Magos”, replace Santa Claus in the majority of homes in Spain. You’ll see them in the nativity scenes around the city and in many homes, as well as real life versions for the big parade. The tradition originates from the Bible when the three wise men came to Bethlehem bearing gifts for Jesus after he was born. Celebrated as an annual public holiday in Spain, El Día de Los Reyes Magos or The Day of the Three Kings is seen as an event even bigger than Christmas! Held every year on January the 5th and 6th, it’s a time for present-giving, huge parades through the city streets, music, and firework displays.
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