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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2003
PR- 004-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG CELEBRATES THREE KINGS DAY

Marched in parade and hosted reception in honor of the Epiphany

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today marched in the 26th Annual Three Kings Day Parade and hosted a reception at El Museo del Barrio 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 25th as Christ's birthday, the Eastern Christian Church recognizes January 6th 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.

"The Three Kings Day Parade was my first parade as Mayor, and I am delighted to be here again this year," said Mayor Bloomberg. "The Three Kings Day Parade has become a New York City tradition for the Latino community and I am honored to be marching alongside the children and the families that honor their culture by celebrating the spirit of the holidays with this desfile."

Mayor Bloomberg marched alongside more than 2,000 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.
The Grand Marshalls of the parade were Susana Toruella Leval, Director Emeritus of El Museo del Barrio and Wille Colón, salsa music legend and Mayor's Representative to El Museo del Barrio Board of Trustees. Director of El Museo del Barrio Julián Zugazagoitia, and other elected officials also joined the Mayor at the parade.

The reception at El Museo del Barrio this evening will consist of a musical performance by Yomo Toro accompanied by Yerbabuena and a dance performance by Ballet Hispanico School Ensemble


 

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Contact: Edward Skyler / Lark-Marie Anton 
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