The Three Kings tradition in Puerto Rico, celebrated on January 6th (Día de Reyes), honors the biblical Magi who visited baby Jesus. Children prepare by placing shoeboxes filled with grass under their beds for the kings’ camels, symbolizing offerings. In return, the Three Kings (Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar) leave gifts for the children overnight. The day is marked with parrandas (musical celebrations), family gatherings, and traditional foods like rosca de reyes and pasteles. This beloved tradition reflects Puerto Rico’s religious roots and is now deeply cultural. This tradition emphasizes joy, generosity, and community.
We will leave you and your children with the task of filling your shoebox with grass for the kings’ camels, but Cultura Plenera and Savage Mill invite you to join us for pictures with the Three Kings on Sunday January 5th from 1:30pm to 3pm.
This free event is for children of all ages, so feel free to bring your entire family and all your friends to experience and memorialize this Puerto Rican cultural tradition, and to connect with others in our community.