Featured image: Three Kings Day photo by  Diane Richter

BETHLEHEM, PA—Follow the star to Bethlehem Jan. 7 as ArtsQuest celebrates El Dia de los Reyes, a cherished cultural and religious tradition in many Latin American countries. The Three Kings Day event, which is free and open to the public, takes place from 3-6 p.m. at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.

For many Christians, especially in Central and South America, the holiday season continues through the 12th day of Christmas, when it is believed in their faith that baby Jesus was visited by the Three Kings, also known as the Three Wise Men or Magi. Following a star across the desert for 12 days to ancient Bethlehem, the Three Kings —Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar— travelled by horse, camel and elephant to present Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

During the annual Three Kings Celebration at SteelStacks, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar arrive to spend time with guests, presenting gifts donated by PPL Corporation, B. Braun Medical Inc. and West Side Hammer Electric to children ages 10 and younger. Plus, they’ll share the story of the Three Kings in both Spanish and English, read by La MEGA Radio hosts Victor Martinez and Alfa Lopez.

The festivities continue with fun-filled activities just for kids including a scavenger hunt and crafts. There’s also live music by local Latin group Herencia Jibara in the Musikfest Café, and delicious Latin food prepared by Holy Infancy Catholic Church is available for purchase. Everyone is welcome to attend this dynamic cultural experience.

For more information on the Three Kings Celebration, visit www.steelstacks.org.

 

Information and images provided to TVL by:
Mark Demko, ArtsQuest
http://www.artsquest.org/

 

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