Three Kings Day

Puerto Rico celebrates Christmas, and also Three Kings Day.  Three Kings Day is actually the larger celebration, which commemorates when the Three Kings (or Three Wise Men) went to visit Jesus after his birth.  Children place grass by their beds, go to sleep, and wait to see what the Three Kings bring them in the morning.

On the Eve of Three Kings Day (January 5th) we went to the Isabela town square for their Three Kings Day celebration.

Excited/nervous to go to the Isabela town square for the first time! 

There were so many people already there that it took a really long time to find a parking spot.  The already small city streets had cars parked on one or both sides of them.  We finally found a parking spot we felt we could easily exit when we left, and parked.  

Entering the Isabela town square

According to google translate, and the invitation we saw- the show was supposed to start at 8:00, but didn't actually start until a little after 9:00.   So, we walked the square a few times to see everything.  There were many artisans selling wares, booths selling food (stuffed baked potatoes, pinchos, and more) and drinks (frappes, alcoholic beverages, and drinks in pineapples).

There were lots of people talking, eating, and milling around.  The town square has many trees and benches around it to sit and talk.  People were everywhere, and so were the festive Christmas lights.

We stopped and tried to listen to the presentation which was going on, but grew frustrated when we couldn't understand what was happening.  So, we walked the square again.  When we came back to our spot a man was speaking English to his son, and telling him what was going to happen.  So, we stayed in our spot since it was near the church.

The show began with a man and little girl talking about the Christmas story, and actors portraying the birth of Christ.  (That much we were able to understand!)

Then, the Three Kings appeared with their gifts on top of this building.  

Next, they appeared one at a time in the church windows.  Each had a special message to share with the kids and young at heart of Isabela.

After each of the Three Kings gave their messages, they all came out at the end together.

The night ended with fireworks above the church.

On Three Kings Day (January 6th) people in Puerto Rico get together with their families to celebrate, and it's a National Holiday- so Jake had the day off.

We went to the beach for lunch, and to relax for a bit.

Then, KC wanted to go back to the celebration to get a Three Kings Day figure to put out with our Christmas decorations.  So, we went back to the town square, and found this figurine.

Last, KC made Jake wait in line to take our picture with the Three Kings.  It isn't everyday you get a picture like this!  Our Christmas picture taking is now complete- we took pictures with Santa, and the Three Kings! :)

With our Christmas/Three Kings Day gift money (thanks parents! & thanks Pam and Tom for mailing it!) we bought a camera.  We're excited to have a "grown up" camera to take pictures with while here!