On a sunny January Sunday, Williamsburg has become a party! Our community welcomes with joy the twenty-sixth edition of the Parade of the Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos). Each year on the Sunday following New Year’s Day, Graham Avenue is filled with celebratory spirit to acknowledge the Epiphany.
The Epiphany is a celebration with deep roots in Latin America and those with this heritage observe this day in many cities in the United States.
Floats full of color and music led by “comparsas” and groups of dancers join the march with the participating educational institutions and civic organizations.
Children wide-eyed with wonder and big smiles on their lips move with delight together with their parents, families and friends.
It is obligatory to highlight the elegant dignity with which Radamés Millán, president and founder of this parade, greets the attendees.
The parade starts from Meeker Avenue and Graham Avenue (also known as Avenida de Puerto Rico) and after a long journey it comes to an end, an explosion of dance and joy, on Debevoise Street.
Our Williamsburg is a neighborhood with doors open to people from all over the world and, especially, to Latinos for whom it is extremely important to preserve these beautiful traditions in defense of their culture and identity.
Melchor with his gold offering comes from Europe and he does it with Gaspar who comes from Asia and brings with him the incense of fragrant smoke and Baltasar accompanies them who brings myrrh, the symbol of man.
Regardless of our personal beliefs, who cannot believe in the Three Kings and their message? This trio represent us all and it is beautiful to have them back in our neighborhood.
Let’s all, forever, celebrate this display of happiness, music and dances that have encouraged both children and adults to enjoy this tradition, where respect for differences has been the predominant note.
The Greenline 