It’s known by many names: Feast of the Magi, Three Kings Day, or Little Christmas. Regardless of the name, ArtsQuest is keeping the spirit of the season going with its annual festival this weekend.
“First of all, it’s the feast of the Magi. When the three kings brought gifts to the baby Jesus,” Iris Cintron noted.
The three kings return to ArtsQuest this weekend, along with an appearance by a real-live camel.
“His name is Einstein,” Cintron said. “Einstein comes with the three kings.”
The event is held in partnership with the ArtsQuest Hispanic Affairs Committee. Miguel Perez explained why the tradition of the three kings is so important.
“We don’t live in our countries anymore. We live in the Lehigh Valley,” Perez said. “So of course we want to have a little of our culture here where we live.”
Perez added: “And in lots of Latin American countries, it’s only the three kings feast where the kids receive gifts.”
Iris Cintron said Latinos take the feast part of the Three Kings Celebration very seriously.
“They’ll have rice. Rice and pigeon peas. They’ll have pulled pork … and they’ll have hot dogs and fries for the kids, who may not want to eat that,” Cintron said.
Cintron said everyone is welcome to attend.
“We want everyone to come so they can learn about what the three kings means to us,” she said. “Please join us and be part of the magic.”
ArtsQuest will be transformed for the Feast of the Three Kings this Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Children will receive free gifts.