While Jan. 6 is now known as the date of the failed coup attempt in the United States, throughout the Caribbean, in both Spanish- and French-speaking nations, it is the feast of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, Dia de los Reyes, or Le Jour des Rois. Here in the U.S., communities of the Caribbean diaspora celebrate, too. For example, Epiphany kicks off the beginning of Carnival in New Orleans, which ends on Mardi Gras, when folks will be eating king cake.
Though the rapid spread of of the omicron variant of COVID-19 will limit many of the gatherings which traditionally take place, like last year, it is still a day of rejoicing.
Caribbean Matters is a weekly series from Daily Kos. If you are unfamiliar with the region, check out Caribbean Matters: Getting to know the countries of the Caribbean.
Cuban-American Miguel Pérez—a columnist, professor, and former chair of the department of journalism and media studies at Lehman College, City University of New York—wrote a heartfelt opinion piece about Jan. 6 for Insider NJ.
I don’t blame Pérez for being distraught. A holiday that symbolizes the joy surrounding the birth of the baby Jesus and the spirit of giving has been desecrated. And it’s been desecrated by ugly and violent traitors who claim to be Christians, who are the antithesis of everything Jesus and the Three Wise Men represent.
I grew up with Puerto Rican relatives and friends celebrating Los Reyes Magos, which I’ve written about here both in 2018 and in 2019. This year, I am going to gather with a small group of double-vaxxed, boostered and pre-tested Puerto Rican friends. We’ll exchange gifts and eat traditional foods like pernil (roast pork shoulder), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), pasteles, tembleque (coconut pudding), and arroz con dulce (sweet rice pudding )
Sadly, due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant on the island, Puerto Rico’s traditional parades and church services have either been canceled, or severely restricted.
In Puerto Rico, even Juana Díaz—called ”The town of the Three Kings”—which has long been the heart of Three Kings Day on the island, has modified traditional celebrations.
Last year’s parade in Juana Díaz was also canceled, so here’s some video from 2020, for an idea of what it is normally like.
YouTube Video
Though many Three Kings celebrations are being held virtually this year, I’m sure that many children will still be receiving gifts, so long as they didn’t forget one key tradition.
¡Feliz día de los Reyes Magos!
Join me in the comments section for more, and for the weekly Caribbean News Twitter Roundup.
Though the rapid spread of of the omicron variant of COVID-19 will limit many of the gatherings which traditionally take place, like last year, it is still a day of rejoicing.
Caribbean Matters is a weekly series from Daily Kos. If you are unfamiliar with the region, check out Caribbean Matters: Getting to know the countries of the Caribbean.
Cuban-American Miguel Pérez—a columnist, professor, and former chair of the department of journalism and media studies at Lehman College, City University of New York—wrote a heartfelt opinion piece about Jan. 6 for Insider NJ.
I don’t blame Pérez for being distraught. A holiday that symbolizes the joy surrounding the birth of the baby Jesus and the spirit of giving has been desecrated. And it’s been desecrated by ugly and violent traitors who claim to be Christians, who are the antithesis of everything Jesus and the Three Wise Men represent.
I grew up with Puerto Rican relatives and friends celebrating Los Reyes Magos, which I’ve written about here both in 2018 and in 2019. This year, I am going to gather with a small group of double-vaxxed, boostered and pre-tested Puerto Rican friends. We’ll exchange gifts and eat traditional foods like pernil (roast pork shoulder), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), pasteles, tembleque (coconut pudding), and arroz con dulce (sweet rice pudding )
Sadly, due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant on the island, Puerto Rico’s traditional parades and church services have either been canceled, or severely restricted.
In Puerto Rico, even Juana Díaz—called ”The town of the Three Kings”—which has long been the heart of Three Kings Day on the island, has modified traditional celebrations.
Last year’s parade in Juana Díaz was also canceled, so here’s some video from 2020, for an idea of what it is normally like.
YouTube Video
Though many Three Kings celebrations are being held virtually this year, I’m sure that many children will still be receiving gifts, so long as they didn’t forget one key tradition.
¡Feliz día de los Reyes Magos!
Join me in the comments section for more, and for the weekly Caribbean News Twitter Roundup.