Three Kings Day In Montclair Includes Procession, Live Camels

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A Three Kings Day celebration took place in Montclair last weekend, with reenactors marking the occasion with a procession through town that included live camels.

The Jan. 6 event celebrated the arrival of Kings Casper, Melchior and Balthazar – otherwise known as the three magi, or “wise men,” who visited the infant Jesus, according to Catholic tradition.

The event was organized by Father Benny of Immaculate Conception Church and Somos Montclair, a Latino Community Building Organization in Montclair. Three sponsors helped make the event possible: The Montclair Bid, The Montclair Firefighters Foundation and Stanton Company.

The New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission offers the following background about the holiday:

“In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, Santa Claus isn’t as popular as he is in the United States. Rather, it is the Three Wise Men who are the bearers of gifts and leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also known by the name Epiphany and dates back to the 4th century. A grand feast would be held on this day to honor the occasion of Jesus’ baptism and to pay homage to the Three Wise Men.

“Many believe mysterious events preceded Jesus’ birth with perhaps the most notable being the appearance of the star in Bethlehem. This new star appeared in the evening sky just prior to the arrival of Jesus. Three wise men, or Magi as they were known, whose names were Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, traveled a far distance to pay homage to Christ. They brought with them fine gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

“Three Kings Day, or El Dia de Reyes, remains an important holiday for Catholics. In addition to gift-giving, there is also a culinary treat that is specific to the holiday. Known as Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake), this holiday dessert is a symbolic pastry. Shaped in a circle to signify a king’s crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion Dia de la Condelaria (Candlemas Day) which occurs each year on February 2.”

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