Archives of the Mayor's Press Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, January 3, 2001
Release # 002-01
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Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
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MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS THREE KINGS DAY RECEPTION AT GRACIE MANSION
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this evening 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.
"This is one of the most important celebrations in Spain and Latin America,
where, as tradition has it, children put grass and water under their beds the
night before to welcome the camels, in the hopes 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."
At the reception, the Three Kings, dressed in costumes provided by
El Museo del Barrio, handed out gifts to the children in attendance.
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