Staying true to its deeply rooted Hispanic values, HITN was proud to sponsor, once again, the 26th Annual Three Kings Festival in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
The event was held the day after Epiphany at Parque Esperanza in this Puerto Rican locality. This year, the festival was dedicated to Reverends Eunice Santana Melecio and Wilfredo Vélez Hernández in recognition of their significant contributions to the community and their advocacy for Vieques since the 1970s.
As is tradition, the festival offered activities to bring children joy and learning, including educational workshops, storytelling and face-painting sessions, traditional dance classes (bomba), and art workshops. Each activity was designed to spark creativity and promote peace among participants.
One of the festival’s most anticipated moments was the appearance of the Three Kings. In a cherished custom, the Kings led children in a symbolic procession around the park, with the young participants ‘riding’ wooden hobby horses gifted to them during the event.
During this heartfelt gathering, the Three Wise Men shared a message of hope directed at both children and adults, emphasizing values of unity and perseverance within the community. As part of the celebration, all children received non-militaristic toys, books, commemorative t-shirts, and lunch, fostering an atmosphere of harmony and solidarity.
The 26th Annual Three Kings Festival in Vieques was an event that strengthened community bonds and delivered a positive message to all attendees. The participation and engagement of the local community highlighted the importance of preserving this cultural tradition.
In the days following the festival, the volunteers representing the Three Kings visited HITN’s studios at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where they attended the celebration organized by HITN at its studios in Brooklyn, sharing the joy of this cherished cultural event.
