Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, January 6, 1999

Release #002-99

Contact: Colleen Roche/Brenda Pérez (212) 788-2958


MAYOR RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI CELEBRATES THREE KINGS DAY

Helps the Three Kings Distribute Gifts to Dozens of Children Attending City Hall Reception

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today hosted a reception in City Hall's Public Hearing Chamber to celebrate Three Kings Day, the Latin American celebration of Spanish origin that remembers the three Biblical Wise Men -- Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar -- who brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. Traditionally, children in Spain, Latin America and of Spanish and Latin American descent receive gifts on Three Kings Day, rather than Christmas Day.

Joining the Mayor for the Día de Reyes celebration were Deputy Mayor for Education and Human Services Ninfa Segarra, and Reverend Marcos Rivera, of the Primitive Christian Church.

"Three Kings Day is one of the most important celebrations in Spain and Latin America, where, as tradition has it, children put grass and water under their beds the night before to welcome the camels, in the hopes that the Three Kings will be generous in bringing them gifts," said Mayor Giuliani. "I am delighted that New Yorkers celebrate Three Kings Day along with Christmas. The reverence, splendor, and love that this tradition symbolizes enrich our City and our people."

Deputy Mayor Segarra said, "This Holiday marks a very special time for the Latino community in New York City and throughout the country. This year we celebrate our renewed efforts to overcome the obstacles and challenges we have recently witnessed in the form of Hurricanes Georges and Mitch. We remain united in our love for our City and for our people and are confident that the true spirit of brotherhood amongst our people, which this Holiday reflects, will continue to serve as a centerpiece of our strength as a community."

At the reception, the Three Kings, dressed in costumes provided by El Museo del Barrio, handed out gifts to the children in attendance. Performers included El Trío New York Band, and El Mariachi Bustamante de México. Associate Chief of Staff for Education and Human Services José‚ Nicot, and Alison Jones, rendered a violin and piano performance of Ave María, by Bach-Gounod.

Other sponsors include Hispanic Federation, Heineken USA, Langdon Florist, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New York, and El Rey De Los Castillos de Jagua Restaurant.

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