The Three Kings Day Celebration, held annually on January 6, commemorates the biblical journey of the Magi to honor the newborn Christ. For many in the Latinx and Caribbean communities, this day represents faith, unity, and cultural resilience. The 47th Annual Three Kings Day Parade and Celebration, organized by El Museo del Barrio, brought these values to life with vibrant music, performances, and community pride. Catholic Charities New York, one of the sponsors of this year’s event, joined in celebrating the day’s spiritual and cultural significance.

Among the esteemed “Padrinos” (sponsors) for this year’s celebration was Father Eric Cruz, Catholic Charities Director for Bronx, Westchester, and Putnam services. Father Cruz’s role underscored the importance of honoring both tradition and community. “We’re here today honoring the Three Kings here in Spanish Harlem, which is historically in New York City, being a hotbed for the Puerto Rican migration of culture, language and beauty, and the Three Kings, of course,” Father Cruz reflected:

The Three Kings were wise men who went on the journey to find Christ. And once they did, they returned changed. And that’s what we’re celebrating. It’s very deep and dear to the heart of the Latino nation, even more so than Christmas itself, for finding Christ and exchanging gifts on this day.

Father Cruz further emphasized the celebration’s profound meaning for migrants and immigrants. “And we celebrate this January 6th, always on that day, celebrating our culture, our identity, our faith,” he shared. “We do it together with children from public schools and with solidarity that grows in the face of challenges, always driven by the blessings of the passion for life, peace, and justice.”

The day began with a breakfast honoring Father Cruz and the event’s cultural significance, featuring remarks from elected officials and Catholic Charities leaders such as Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, Philip Dorian, Talia Bernal Lockspeiser, and Beatriz Diaz Taveras. The gathering set a reflective and celebratory tone.

Following the breakfast, the parade wound through East Harlem with 5,000 participants enjoying puppets, live music, and performances. Among the groups marching were Catholic Charities day laborers, proudly representing their resilience and community spirit.

Juan Pablo Morales, coordinator of the Day Laborers Program for Catholic Charities NY, highlighted the importance of their work:

Day laborers are the people who stand on the corners, in Home Depot parking lots, and at gas stations looking for work. These are people who have no safety net, nothing to fall upon if they don’t get a job. They live on a daily basis. So what we do is support them and help them to adapt and integrate into New York City to transform.

The Three Kings Day Parade is more than a festive celebration; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Latinx community and the power of faith and unity. Catholic Charities New York’s involvement in the event underscores its mission to support and uplift diverse communities. As Father Cruz poignantly noted, the journey of the Magi mirrors the journeys of countless migrants and immigrants who, through faith and resilience, discover new paths and possibilities.

Check out a short video from the parade here, and join us in celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage that enriches our community: