OCCHA celebrates The Three Kings

January 2, 2016 at 4:36p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Cheers filled Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana as the three kings entered.

Dressed in robes of green, red, gold and blue and wearing crowns, they took the place of honor in the front of the room.

El Día de los Reyes Celebration, or the Three Kings Celebration, marks the end of the Christmas holiday season for many Hispanics and Latinas. The event commemorates the biblical worship of baby Jesus by the three kings, or wise men.

The official date for the celebration is Jan. 6, but OCCHA annually celebrates it the first Saturday in January, said Mary Lou Reyes, executive director.

“We have a little celebration,” she said. “We serve food, and we give gifts.”

Alondra Perez, 6, of Youngstown enjoyed a hot dog and chips.

She and her cousin Jansiel Agosto, 4, also of Youngstown, colored pictures of the three kings while they waited for them to arrive.

Agosto’s mother, Robbi Agosto, said they attended last year, as well.

“I love it,” she said.