Three Kings Day is a cultural tradition that commemorates the story in the bible, of the three wise men, arriving to visit baby Jesus.
SAN DIEGO — All around the world, and particularly for the Catholic Church, Tuesday was Día de los Reyes, or Three Kings’ Day. It is a cultural tradition, known as the Epiphany, which commemorates the story in the bible, of the three wise men, arriving to visit the newborn Jesus.
Día de los Reyes also extended to San Diego, where Casa Familiar, a nonprofit organization, celebrated the tradition in San Ysidro, giving away toys, backpacks and bikes to kids in the community.
“We come together as a community, a way to give back, show the unity that we have and our commitment to our community members,” Clarise Webb said, who works at Casa Familiar.
The popular event had people lined up around the building. The nonprofit organization says its mission is to enhance the quality of life for people living in underserved or underrepresented communities.
“We know some kids didn’t have as generous of a Christmas, so it’s kind of an opportunity for us to help the parents,” Webb added.
Every kid left with a toy and a book, or a backpack filled with school supplies. Bicycles were also raffled off every 30 minutes.
“It’s a day for the kids to have some fun, play some games and have the traditional Rosca de Reyes,” Webb said.
The Rosca de Reyes, or Three Kings bread, is a staple on this day. If you are the lucky one, your piece will have a little baby Jesus inside, a type of symbol that you are extra blessed. You will be crowned king or queen of the day, and then, typically, you are in charge of making tamales for the next party.
“Sometimes you may find a prize inside, and it’s just a reminder that we all have to care for each other,” Webb said.
Casa Familiar brought Tuesday’s Three Kings Day magic, but the organization is dedicated all year long to youth literacy and family well-being.
“Casa Familiar is all about the community and giving back, and the services we provide. We have financial services, we can help people fill out paperwork, we have classes to learn English, computers and much, much more,” Webb said.