Families enjoy Three Kings Day

Traditional Puerto Rican music and food were in
plentiful supply.

By SEAN BARRON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

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.

Also on hand was Atty. Miriam Ocasio of Youngstown, who came with her sons, Fortunato Santino Rivera-Ocasio, 2, and Francisco Giovanni Rivera-Ocasio, 4, as well as her husband, Angel Rivera, and several other family members. The older child took home a plastic train set.

“It’s basically a time for family and friends and everyone to get together,” said Ocasio, who practices law in Boardman. I want my kids to carry on our culture.”

Participants also were far from being short on food and entertainment.

Adding to the festive atmosphere that permeated the market was traditional music from Puerto Rico performed by Grupo Saborico con El Mostro del Cuatro, a local seven-member band that featured a cuatro, which is a 10-string Spanish guitar.

Many who came with an appetite found themselves enjoying a variety of foods such as alcapurrias (fried bananas with meat in the middle), and carnes (fried thin crust items with beef). Other people went for the more traditional rice, beans, roasted or fried pork and rice pudding, all of which are a large part of the Hispanic culture, explained Myra Espada, who, along with her husband, Cesar, owns Saborico.

Mrs. Espada praised many in the neighborhood who, among other things, donated toys, contributed money and bought candy to distribute to youngsters.

The gifts were welcomed by the children, some of whom are less fortunate, noted Liz Lopez, owner of All Around Travel Agency in Campbell. The celebration is also positive because some East Side residents are struggling economically with few resources, Lopez said.

Some people who recently arrived in the Mahoning Valley from Puerto Rico experience loneliness and have difficulty adapting. The Three Kings Day event “gives them a little bit of home,” she continued.

Also, a block party and parade are held in the area every September to celebrate Hispanic culture, Espana said.