Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today marched in the 25^th Annual Three Kings Day Parade in East and hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion to celebrate the Epiphany, or Fiesta De Los Tres Reyes Magos. The holiday, popular throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, and parts of Europe, honors the arrival of the three wise kings from separate lands bearing gifts to the baby Jesus.

Although the Western Christian Church observes December 25^th as Christ's birthday, the Eastern Christian Church recognizes January 6^th as the celebration of the nativity. Families who celebrate Three Kings Day instruct their children that if they are good, the three kings will bring them gifts overnight. The Latino community continues to celebrate their traditional holiday, as well as Christmas the American way.

"I am delighted to be here today. It is an honor to participate in cultural events that involve and support our children and communities, especially a fiesta that celebrates faith and encourages hope," said Mayor Bloomberg. "It is important to recognize the rich culture our City has and the Latino community has shown resolve and dedication by enriching our City yearly with this wonderful parade."

He marched alongside more than 1,000 children from el barrio (the community), as well as live camels, sheep and donkeys intended to replicate the historic journey of the Three Magi Kings. The parade was sponsored by El Museo del Barrio, the only Puerto Rican/Latin American museum in New York and was dedicated to the heroes of the World Trade Center disaster and victims of Flight 587.

The three kings were represented by Firefighter John Wilson as Melchor of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), New York Police Department (NYPD) Police Officer William Thompson as Gaspar, as well as a local community musician, Benny Ayala, who lost a son in the World Trade Center, participated as the third Magi King Balthasar. The unity of these three individuals is symbolic of the harmony and appreciation the Latino community and the City have for one another.

Also joining the Mayor were Carlos Rodriguez (representing C. Virginia Fields), Council Member Ms. Gale A. Brewer, Council Member Mr. Phil Reed, Council Member Mr. Bill Perkins, and Consul General of Mexico Mr. Salvador Beltran del Rio. The reception is to occur at Gracie Mansion this evening.