Today is Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico... and throughout the Latin American world. In the non- Latin Christian tradition, the sixth of January marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas and the day is known and is celebrated as the Feast of the Epiphany. The day marks the arrival of the wise men, traveling from the east, to worship the infant Jesus.
In Puerto Rico the arrival of the Three Kings is the real deal. This is the big day. The U.S. Post Office, banks, supermarkets and most shops and restaurants and all government offices are closed. The night before... we heard the parade caravans, complete with lights and sirens... featuring Kings who throw small bags of candy to those on the roadside. And, "yes," we caught ours!
Traditionally, children will cut some grass on Three Kinds Eve leave it (the hay) under their beds along with some water and maybe a carrot. These offerings are for the camels who are ridden by the Kings. In the morning, the hay and water have gone and (if you have been good) are replaced by presents. For the adults, the real action is the night before... amazing parties lasting into the wee hours of the sixth are typical... along with musical parrandas going house to house.
Today, the seas were calm and the temperature was very moderate. We took a swim in the ocean...after all, what is Dia de los Reyes in Puerto Rico without a swim in the calm waters surrounding the island?!
No comments:
Post a Comment