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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion to celebrate Three Kings Day, the Latin American celebration of Spanish origin that remembers the three Biblical Wise Men -- Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar -- who brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. Traditionally, children in Spain, Latin America and of Spanish and Latin American descent receive gifts on Three Kings Day, rather than Christmas Day.
Joining the Mayor for the Día de Reyes celebration were Deputy Mayor for Education and Human Services Ninfa Segarra, and Reverend Marcos Rivera, of the Primitive Christian Church.
"Three Kings Day continues to be one of the most important celebrations in Spain and Latin America. Traditionally, tonight, on the eve of the Three Kings arrival to Bethlehem, children put grass and water under their beds in a welcoming gesture to the Kings' camels and hoping that the Three Kings will be generous in bringing them gifts," said Mayor Giuliani. "I am delighted that New Yorkers celebrate Three Kings Day along with Christmas. The reverence, splendor, and love that this tradition symbolizes enrich our City and our people."
Deputy Mayor Segarra said, "This Holiday marks a very special time for the Latino community in New York City and throughout the country. The spirit of brotherhood, selflessness and spirituality, which this Holiday reflects, will continue to serve as a centerpiece of our strength as a community through the new millennium."
At the reception, the Three Kings, dressed in costumes provided by El Museo del Barrio and helped the Mayor to hand out gifts to the children in attendance.