BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As Los Tres Reyes Magos, or the Three Wise Men, were celebrated Sunday, the holiday season drew to a close for many Latino families.
But not before children unwrapped smiles and joy through gifts provided by the Marines’ Toys for Tots program.
The free toys, sorted by gender and available for youth up to age 12, were as diverse as squishy stuffed animals and board games and trucks.
All was part of ArtsQuest's El Día de los Reyes, or Three Kings Day, celebration.
"It's incredible to be on this side and be one of the kings,Hector Vazquez, of his portrayal of Melchoir of the Three Kings
For one of actors portraying one of the Wise Men, Melchior, the occasion carried special significance.
This year marked Héctor Vazquez's first time playing Melchior, following the passing of Nelson Matos, who had embodied the role of the Rey for many years until his passing in September.
"I was honored when they asked me to do it," Vazquez said.
"This is an event that my family and I participate in and look forward to every year, and it's incredible to be on this side and be one of the kings."
During the celebration, Matos was honored with a moment of silence by members of ArtsQuest’s Latin Programming Committee, which organizes the annual Three Kings event.
Epiphany Day
The event coincides with Epiphany, observed this year on Tuesday, Jan. 6, a deeply rooted religious and cultural tradition throughout Puerto Rico and many Latin American countries.
Jan. 6 commemorates the biblical story of the Three Wise Men, who traveled bearing gifts for the infant Jesus — a theme that remains central to the celebration today.
Before the exchange of the toys, young attendees at ArtsQuest gathered for a reading of the Story of the Three Kings by Miguel Perez-Soto, a percussionist and member of ArtsQuest's Performing Arts Board, and a DJ from radio station La Mega.
As in years past, the event was sponsored by Allentown's Marine Toys for Tots division in partnership with PPL, La Mega, B. Braun Medical and Lagom Care.
Parrandas para el año nuevo
The celebration began at 2 p.m. with the lively rhythms of Puerto Rican folk music filling the packed crowd at Musikfest Café as Herencia Jíbara, with Soto on drums, took the stage and encouraged families to clap and dance.
The group performed a joyful medley of traditional aguinaldos and parrandas — holiday songs closely tied to the celebration of Los Tres Reyes Magos.
"It's a tradition for us every year."Marilades Gonzalez, Three Kings Day attendee from Union, New Jersey
"We are so excited to be here and perform traditional [Puerto Rican] holiday songs," Danny Class, lead singer for the Bethlehem-based group, said.
"If you want to sing with us or dance, let's have a good time and live it up."
Their set, which Class said had some extra "flair" by the group, paid tribute to classic songs such as "Los Tres Reyes Magos” and the beloved holiday tune “El Arbolito."
As the music echoed through the café, audience members of all ages rose from their seats, waved the Puerto Rican flag and turned the space into an impromptu dance floor.
Attendees also were able to buy lunch, provided by Holy Infancy Church, which included Puerto Rican staples such as pernil and arroz con grandules.
Beyond the music, children participated in hands-on arts and crafts on the first floor of ArtsQuest Center, and posed for photos outside during an hourlong visit from Einstein the Snow Camel, a longtime crowd favorite.
"I had to get a photo with Einstein," Marilades Gonzalez, of Union, New Jersey, who was visiting her family in Allentown, said.
"It's a tradition for us every year."
