Families enjoy Three Kings Day in Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN — To 8-year-old Maria Hernandez, being with her family was a more important way to celebrate Three Kings Day than receiving a particular gift.

“It’s a tradition for us,” said Maria’s mother, Margie. “It’s something I want my daughter and son to remember and pass onto their kids.”

Too many youngsters have forgotten the significance of the day and its traditions, with many assuming the holidays are over the day after Christmas, Margie Hernandez added.

Also on hand was Marie’s brother, Joseph, 15, a freshman at East High School. Being with family and upholding certain traditions were the most special aspects of the celebration, Joseph said.

The Hernandez family, of Youngstown, was part of Sunday’s Three Kings Day celebration at the Saborico Corner Market & Café, 1361 Shehy St., on the city’s East Side. Many Hispanic people observe the Christian celebration, which falls on Jan. 6, 12 days after Christmas.

Three Kings Day is usually viewed as the last day of Christmas and commemorates the biblical story of three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child. Many Hispanic families follow certain traditions related to the day.

Around 100 children and adults came to the market to participate in the third annual event, sponsored by the Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana. Many youngsters eagerly anticipated the arrival of three people, each dressed as one of the kings, and lined up inside to receive toys and other gifts from them.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com