43
OCCHA celebrates The Three Kings
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
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 D a 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.
They enjoy the food and gifts, she said, and the people at the event are nice.
She also feels it’s important for the children to learn about this part of their culture.
Alondra’s mother, Suleyka Agosto, said the event is good.
“It’s fun for the kids,” she said.
All children under age 12 were called to the front of the room and received a gift from the three kings. Included in each package were books and small toys. OCCHA provided the books, and the Latin American Motorcycle Association provided the toys. The Blood and Cancer Center in Canfield paid for the food for the event.
Perez was excited to receive a puzzle and book featuring the characters from the movie “Frozen.” Agosto was happy with his books and toy cars.
“He loves books right now,” said Robbi Agosto.
About 125 children were present for the three kings celebration.
OCCHA is the only Hispanic and multicultural social service agency in the Youngstown area. Since 1972, the organization has provided social, economic, cultural and educational programs to the Hispanic and multicultural communities of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.