A small homage to the Wise Men contains artwork, folklore, and photography. © 2021 Discover Puerto Rico. Today is the day for celebrating the three wise men‘s visit to Jesus. Welcome to Juana Diaz, Home of the Three Kings. Of course they enjoy Christmas and New Years but in Puerto Rico, the really big celebration is reserved for the Three Kings Festival on January 6. More than 200,000 people give it a try in Zocalo Square in Mexico City. Kids write their wish lists to their favorite king (Melchor, Baltazar or Gaspar), and they leave out snacks for the Three Kings (and grass for their camels) before they go to bed. Standing or on horseback (not the customary camels), the sculpted Kings are typically presented three-abreast in their royal attire bearing their attributes (gifts) for the Christ Child. As many as 500,000 have attended in the past. Silvia Foster-Frau, Staff Writer. What Are the Top 20 Things to Do in Lima, Peru? Originally, the octavitas were parties of a religious nature and were used to glorify the Magi and Jesus with songs. The eight days after Three Kings Day are known in Puerto Rico as las octavitas, an extension of Christmas were people keep throwing parties and going on parrandas. A small destination on the southern coast, Juana Díaz comes alive during the Christmas holidays, but you can plan a visit any time of year to feel a bit of the magic of the Magi. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. Other landmarks include the orange and white alcaldía, or City Hall, the seat of the municipal government. Three Kings Day, the Christian holiday also known as the Epiphany, is an important tradition in Puerto Rico. Those who are particularly religious celebrate the tradition of the Promesa de Reyes or Kings’ Promise. © 2021 Discover Puerto Rico. The Three Kings: protagonists of Puerto Rico’s celebration. Three Kings Day On January 6th, Puerto Rico celebrates el Día de Reyes or Epiphany, a commemoration of the visit the Three Wise Men made after Jesus was born. Many of the customs, such as Noche Buena, Navidad, Año Viejo, and Three Kings Day, are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Here, in Puerto Rico, Santa does come on Christmas, and December 25th is a celebration, but tradition dictates that Three Kings Day is the big deal. Traditions for Celebrating Three Kings’ Day (El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos) First, you will need either a plain shoebox or a basket made from a shoebox. The traditional Christmas dessert is tembleque, a coconut-based pudding topped with cinnamon, and, instead of eggnog, they have coquito, a coconut-based thick drink usually served in shot glasses. For over 135 years, the town of Juana Díaz has celebrated a festival and parade that gathers over 25,000 people for the occasion. Transcript: ambience: traditional musicIt may be January, but in Puerto Rico, the Christmas season is still in full swing, and traditional Puerto Rican music is at the core of a religious celebration known as "Three Kings Day." I have been dating him for two years as of 11/26/2014. Directly across the Three Kings monument is the elegant San Ramón Nonato Church. From lace-knitting to sports and maritime history, learn about Puerto Rico from a different perspective. Regardless of faith, most Americans know the story, or at least, know of the … Christmas never ends in Puerto Rico. For most Puerto Ricans, Christmas Eve or Nochebuena trumps Christmas Day. This past Christmas, hubby, litt He grew up celebrating three Kings Day. In Puerto Rico, Ortiz says that the holiday is celebrated for an additional eight days afterwards, known as Octavitas. Get travel inspiration, news, tips and more delivered monthly. In the 19th century, the town held a parade featuring the Three Kings and shepherds, followed by a Mass. Biblical Background. Three Kings Day commemorates the biblical journey of the three kings —Balthazar, Caspar, and … Since the holiday season is not so much a sprint as it is a marathon, here are some traditions you should know to get in the spirit of the occasion: A parranda or trulla is the boricua version of a Christmas Carol. He goes back and brings them some coffee and grass for the horses. I have been dating him for two years as of 11/26/2014. Puerto Rico is also known for its rum. Festivals and Traditions From Three Kings' Day parades in January to clapping when a plane touches down on the Island, traditions are kept alive by Puerto Rico's locals year after year. January 6, 2016 *You may find affiliate links for things I love! In … The holidays are special wherever you go, but in Puerto Rico they love this time of year so much that they start celebrating on Thanksgiving and keep the party going through Three Kings Day on January 6th. Note the date, 1822, carved into the cave wall by an anonymous traveler, one of the numerous carvings, writings and petroglyphs on the walls here, some of them quite ancient (sadly, many of these are mixed with more modern, and far less beautiful, graffiti. Three Kings Day (Día De Los Tres Reyes Magos) on January 6th is a huge celebration here in Puerto Rico; even more so than Christmas Day for a lot of families. My boyfriend is a descendant of Spain and Puerto Rico ( mother is from Puerto Rico and Father from spain). Food-centric road trips around the island — perfect for the wandering gourmand, or any hungry traveler. Three Kings Day is one of the most important celebrations in Puerto Rico. Literally, Three King’s Eve is just as exciting as Christmas Eve! This is the night where family and friends gather for a traditional dinner, exchange gifts, go out on parrandas, or take a drive to enjoy the Christmas decorations around town. There is so much more than just the beach. It's easy to find a tradition that speaks to you with endless festivals, events, … The Kings are depicted here in a variety of formats: imaginative portraits drawn, painted or molded in terra cotta I am using my knowledge to surprise him with a celebration from his child hood. The Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián mark the end of Christmas in Puerto Rico. Cute crafts, fun activities, and delicious recipes will help you and your children honor the Three Wise Men and celebrate this fun holiday!. Discover the History of Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico, The Best Halloween Parties and Events in Puerto Rico, The Top 9 Things to Do in Tenerife, Spain, Your Trip to Puerto Rico: The Complete Guide, How to Celebrate Three Kings Day in Mexico, Essentials for Your Trip to Loíza, Puerto Rico, 5 Great Reasons to Spend Christmas in Puerto Rico, Christmas Is a Spectacular Time to Be in Madrid, Major Festivals and Holidays in Puerto Rico, Your Trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands: The Complete Guide, Calendar of Events in Puerto Rico by Month, These Are the Top 15 Destinations in Chile. Thanks! Children in Puerto Rico grow up knowing that Santa is just a fictional character, and that the ones who bring the gifts are the Los Reyes Magos, who are the biblical Magi or the Three Wisemen who brought gifts to … That tradition is not lost. Discover the stories behind the walls of Old San Juan. Miami's Cuban community has scheduled its 27th annual Three Kings parade Jan. 9 in Little Havana. In particular, don't miss the museum's collection of Santos by local master craftsman (note, the museum is closed Monday and Tuesday). This music-filled cultural jubilee marks the official end of the holiday season. Guavate is well known for its lechoneras, outdoor eateries specializing in slow-roasted pork. NOV 04 • Thank you very much. The festival, celebrated since 1884, honors the Three Kings who brought gifts of incense, gold and myrrh to the Baby Jesus. The holiday can be super fun and there are so many things you can do. January 6th is Three Kings Day in Mexico, known in Spanish as el Día de los Reyes Magos or El Día de Reyes.This is Epiphany on the church calendar, the 12th day after Christmas (sometimes referred to as Twelfth Night), when Christians commemorate the arrival of the Magi or "Wise Men" who arrived bearing gifts for the Christ Child. In Puerto Rico, the biggest celebration of the Christmas season is focused mainly on January 6, the day of the liturgical celebration of the Three Kings. The adjacent pastel-blue building was originally the town's fire station. Many Puerto Ricans will attend a midnight mass known as Misa de Gallo, where they welcome Christmas as a commemoration of the birth of Jesus. Ernesto Acevedo-Muñoz still remembers the excitement of being a child in Puerto Rico, anticipating the arrival of the Three Kings on Jan. 6th. Sampling locally grown coffee is a perk of traveling to Puerto Rico. Wood round with details of the Three Kings made in recycled paper, painted in acrylic. The machete is an important tool for agriculture, and in may time use as a weapon. Many symbols are Taíno in origin. Here in Puerto Rico we celebrate Three Kings Day, sort of a second Christmas. At no extra cost to you, I could receive a small commission if you click and buy thru my links. Three Kings Day, the Christian holiday also known as the Epiphany, is an important tradition in Puerto Rico. Like in America, Puerto Rico's primary winter holiday is centered around the birth of Christ. The Three Kings – who in the Puerto Rican tradition are known as Los Santos Reyes Magos – were represented by members of LAMA. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. Reyes Magos Puerto Rico | Three Wise Kings Digital Print 6x4in Acuaboricua $ 12.00 FREE shipping Christmas Art Three Kings Puerto Rico Ivegiftshop $ 6.00. Puerto Rico takes pride in having the longest holiday season in the world. What Santa Claus is to the U.S. mainland, the Three Kings are to Puerto Rico. San Antonio-area Puerto Ricans keep Three Kings Day tradition alive. Three Kings Day, also known as El Dia de los Reyes in Spanish and Epiphany in other countries, is a long held Latin American tradition. I appreciate the information, he lost his parents years ago. For example, Santa Claus, the traditional fat guy in a red suit going down the chimney, is not the main man when it comes to gift-giving. Feb 26, 2019 - Explore lucy Gonzalez's board "Three Kings" on Pinterest. The Three Kings are traditionally known as Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. Part of the fun tradition of Three Kings Day involves what children do the night before Jan. 6 to make sure they get gifts from the Three Wise Men. Madrid has a grand, vibrant parade on the evening of January 5, for example.. In Puerto Rico, Epiphany is an important festive holiday, and is commonly referred as Dia de Los Tres Reyes Magos, or Three Kings' Day. He grew up celebrating three Kings Day. One of the town's cultural highlights is the relatively new Museo de los Santos Reyes, or Three Kings Museum. In Vieques, Three Kings’ Day is an integral part of our annual Christmas holidays. The top places where you can experience the history of the Island. Privacy Policy | GDPR FAQ, Food Trails and Culinary Adventures in Puerto Rico, Five Unique Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Puerto Rico, Top Beachside Accommodations in Puerto Rico, Historic Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Rico, Arriving at San Juan's International Airport, The idea is to surprise the household, so the, Many Puerto Ricans will attend a midnight mass known as, The eight days after Three Kings Day are known in Puerto Rico as, Five Days of History and Culture in Puerto Rico, Everything You Need to Know About the International Mojo Isleño Festival, Lin-Manuel Miranda's Favorite Spots in Puerto Rico. The History Behind Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico. Government offices and many businesses close, but the malls are busier than ever! • • • I wish Gold, Incense and Myrrh to all my followers, to our blessed Island of Enchantment and the rest of the World full of faith, mercy and above all health. Some churches even reenact the Nativity scene. While they still prepare traditional meals, many of its ingredients are imported. I took him to Puerto Rico to meet la familia and it was during the month of December. In the past, their travels have taken them far beyond the borders of Puerto Rico, and even to the Vatican, where they were blessed by the pope. With town squares and houses lit up with Santa Clauses and snowflakes as well as local designs like jibaritos, Puerto Rico turns into a tropical winter wonderland where every corner is a photo opportunity. From Three Kings' Day parades in January to clapping when a plane touches down on the Island, traditions are kept alive by Puerto Rico's locals year after year. 8. On January 6th, Puerto Rico celebrates el Día de Reyes or Epiphany, a commemoration of the visit the Three Wise Men made after Jesus was born. HAPPY THREE KINGS DAY PUERTO RICO /// FELIZ TRES SANTOS REYES PUERTO RICO. Biblical Background. In... Puerto Rican Traditions. Friends and families gather in front of a house – usually after 10:00 p.m. – with instruments like panderos, maracas, güiros, cuatros, and guitars to sing aguinaldos (traditional Christmas songs). The so-called "walled city" holds over 500 years of history. But this year, those celebrants have mixed emotions, and the celebratory song has deeper meaning. For most people in Puerto Rico, preparations for Three Kings Day begin as soon as Christmas ends. Passing Traditions on to the kids: Three Kings’ Day in Puerto Rico. Jan. 8, 2017 Updated: Jan. 8, 2017 7:16 p.m. Facebook Twitter Email. The three kings will then take the grass to feed the camels and will leave gifts under the bed as a reward. Visiting During Three Kings Day. It is a highly important celebration in the culture of Puerto Rico. The celebration has come to be considered Puerto Rico's national Three King's Festival, and the town takes its annual responsibility quite seriously. Feast of the Three Kings in Puerto Rico. Juana Díaz is a small town on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, part of the Porta Caribe tourist region. View of a garita and the ocean from El Morro, in Old San Juan. Here we list just our top 5 things to do in Puerto Rico on Three Kings Day. From murals to art galleries to museums, experience the art of Puerto Rico. Even while growing up in New York, composer, playwright and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda experienced a quintessentially Puerto Rican holiday, Three Kings Day. In Puerto Rico, these are also the names given to the three stars forming Orion's Belt, which is visible on the northern hemisphere during the winter months. The Kings are depicted here in a variety of formats: imaginative portraits drawn, painted or molded in terra cotta relief; carved wooden figures, 7–12 inches tall. In large cities, fast food chains have become very popular (Puerto Ricans, 2009). Puerto Ricans, however, celebrate this season a little differently. The entire town takes part, with many residents appropriately dressed as shepherds. All rights reserved. Kids write their wish lists to their favorite king (Melchor, Baltazar or Gaspar), and they leave out snacks for the Three … The last time we were in Puerto Rico during the holidays was when little one was 6 months old. Almost every weekend, there is a festival or a celebration around the Island. At midnight, the participants go into water fully clothed to bring them good luck (Puerto Ricans, 2009). Festivals and Traditions. On the Island, la Navidad lasts around 45 days, starting right after Thanksgiving Day in November, extending through mid-January, and culminating with the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, also known as la SanSe. Parrandas. If you like pork, Puerto Rico for Christmas is the trip for you. All rights reserved. Experience the island’s vibrancy and charm while visiting some of Lin-Manuel Miranda's favorite places in Puerto Rico. Three Kings Day, also known as El Dia de los Reyes in Spanish and Epiphany in other countries, is a long held Latin American tradition. Here are the baskets my kids will be using this weekend, made by their abuela: The basket is normally decorated with bows made out of wax paper, but we’ve had trouble finding such paper. As it is a tradition that has been celebrated in Spain for many centuries, most Spanish-speaking countries in the West also celebrate Three Kings' Day. Three Kings Day is one of the most important celebrations in Puerto Rico. It's easy to find a tradition that speaks to you with endless festivals, events, … Feliz Dí­a de los Tres Reyes Magos! The Three Kings are an integral part of the holiday season in Puerto Rico, but beyond that, they are part of the cultural fabric of the island. Holidays no doubt are the most anticipated time of the year in Puerto Rico. However, depending on your age, or the average age in your traveling group, other things might be … The last time we were in Puerto Rico during the holidays was when little one was 6 months old. Puerto Ricans usually put up their Christmas trees and decorations by Thanksgiving and don’t take them down until mid-January, so the Island feels especially magical during the holiday season. Puerto Ricans celebrate Three Kings Day every Jan. 6 with parades, parties and musical performances. Juana Díaz – With nearly 130 years’ worth of tradition, Juana Díaz has become the capital of the Three Kings in Puerto Rico. Pernil. But this year, the holiday has a special meaning on … Víspera de Reyes: Three Kings Eve January 5; Día de Reyes: Three Kings Day January 6; One of the most notable traditions in the Puerto Rican Christmas season is parrandas or caroling. I appreciate the information, he lost his parents years ago. 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