Nagai Torres is happy to receive gifts on Three Kings Day. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – Three Kings Day or Epiphany on January 6 is one of the most important holidays on the Puerto Rican calendar. It is the day, rather than Christmas, that most families exchange presents. Children also gather grass, hay or straw for the Magi’s horses or camels, and look to the Magi instead of Santa Claus to bring them presents.
The children and families from Puerto Rico staying at the Quality Inn in Westfield, who recently fled the hurricane-ravaged island, were not disappointed, thanks to volunteers from St. Mary’s Parish.
“On Friday, myself and Zoria Santos delivered gifts for the children to the hotel. They were donated by a Westfield family (Dianne Hodges). The parents gave them to the children Saturday in the morning; day of Epiphany as goes the tradition,” said Jaquelyn Luna.
Three Kings Day celebration and dinner was held Saturday for the families at St. Mary’s High School. (Photo submitted)
Later that evening the families were picked up at the hotel by bus and brought to St. Mary’s High School for the traditional Three King’s Day dinner and celebration where children were given gifts.
“This is a gathering the Latin community (one of the many ministry groups) at St. Mary’s Parish puts on every year for Epiphany. We have a dinner, live music, and gifts for the children from 0 to 15 years. It is a way for the whole church to have fellowship and celebrate part of our cultural tradition. Some of the Puerto Rican evacuees here in Westfield have been attending the Sunday Spanish Mass at 11:30 but they were all invited to join us for this evening,” Luna said.
The volunteers at St. Mary’s have been making sure the families, many of whom lost everything in the storm, feel at home and welcome since their arrival in Westfield.
