Three Kings Are Coming. Are You Ready ?

The feast of three kings is a big deal here in New York City. This is especially true for devotees of La Regla Lucumi, more commonly known as Santeria. In the Santeria religion special washes, candles, oils, and other spells are prepared to help with success for the coming New Year.

The 39th annual Three Kings Day Parade will take place again this year in NYC’s Spanish Harlem. Sponsored by El Museo del Barrio, the parade will begin at 11am on January 6th. It will feature such notable talent as Bomba Yo, Annette Aguilar and the Stringbeans, Los Pleneros de la 21, the Garifuna Folkloric Ballet, and others. Even if you can’t make the parade, the museum is featuring an exhibit of Three Kings Day items. According to their website it includes “some of the Three Kings and Nativity-related objects from El Museo’s permanent collection. A group of delicate wood-carvings by Puerto Rico’s santeros, depicting The Three Kings, are juxtaposed with Nativity scenes from various Latin American countries. Objects like these are typically displayed in the homes of those who celebrate the tradition, from December 6 to the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. “ This is available to view from now until January 9, 2016. It is certainly worth the trip.

There are also plenty of things you can do to celebrate the Three Kings Day Feast at home. In my post January 6: Three Kings Day I give a great recipe for Mexican hot chocolate. This a yummy way to toast the day. Some people also eat Three Kings Bread. The bread originates from the Middle Ages, and was brought from Spain to Latin America. Similar to Mardi Gras King Cake, a toy baby, or other surprise, is hidden in the dough. A wonderful traditional recipe for the bread can be found on latintimes.com

Three Kings Oil Recipe – A special kind of blessing is given on the feast of the Three Kings. It is a blessing that brings a speedy and joyous change in fortunes. Just like the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh that were brought by the kings this spell will bring both good fortune and protection.

Have a blessed Three Kings Day and a Happy New Year !!! Please keep the blessings going and remember to share, share, share !