Religion: Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico and six other places to celebrate

Puerto Rico Photo Taken by Krenda in San Juan

One of my former Procter & Gamble bosses raved about Puerto Rico.  The experts agree.  Puerto Rico ranks as the most blissed-out place in the world, followed by Mexico and Denmark, according to a study the World Values Survey Association a nonprofit group (reported in Glamour March 2005).  My boss eventually moved from to Puerto Rico and I was fortunate to visit her on the island.


Author Patricia Schultz listed Old San Juan as a must see in her book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.  She describes the historic scene "El Viejo San Juan, the seven-square-block landmark zone of the island's capital, is a perfectly preserved microcosm of Spanish colonial architecture and a remarkable walk back through history."

Our cruise happened to dock during the Three Kings' Day or El Dia De Los Reyes celebration, mixing historical sites with colorful lights and costumes.  Christians in Latin America and Spain  mark the time when the three Kings or three Wise Men visited baby Jesus.  Families follow traditions including dinner, gifts for children, and eating King's Bread or "rosca del ray".  The circular bread represents the King's crown and the loaf is baked with a hidden "baby Jesus" figurine.  Whoever finds the toy in their slice must prepare tamales for everyone on the Day of the Candles (Feb. 2nd).  Families may leave shoes by the door or salt or a box of grass/hay and water for the Three King's camels.  Most of the hay will disappear.  The trail of hay left by the camels may lead children to gifts.

You don't need to travel to Puerto Rico to celebrate Three King's Day.  Consider attending the following celebrations:

1.  El Museo del Barrio's Three Kings Day Parade; Meeker & Graham Ave., NY, NY
Over 5,000 participate in the event; volunteers hand out crowns at the parade.  Besides puppets, the parade includes camels and shee.

2.  Brooklyn Three Kings Day Parade; Brooklyn, NY

3.  Three Kings Day Winterfest & Parade; Division & Campbell St., Chicago, IL
Hosted by The Puerto Rico Cultural Center; provides toys to first 200 registered kids age 12 and under; event includes parade and ceremony

4.  Puerto Rican Heritage Society Three Kings Day; San Antonio, TX
free art workshop for children, storytelling, traditional music

5.  Night of the Three Kings; Phoenix Zoo, Arizona
mariachi music and games, Mexican food for purchase, Three Kings arrive on camels

6.  House of Puerto Rico Three Kings Day; San Diego, CA
bring a dish to potluck, kids make a craft such as box with straw