Hispanic cultural awareness event to close holiday season in Wichita this weekend
As we enter the new year, there’s one more family-friendly holiday event, this one with a Hispanic traditional twist.
“Dia De Los Tres Reyes,” which translates to Three Kings Day, is celebrated in many Hispanic countries and helps close the Christmas season on Jan. 6.
The holiday represents the day the Three Wise Men brought gave gifts to Baby Jesus.
Although it is mainly celebrated in Europe, Latin America and Spain, it has made its way to the United States, including Wichita, where Three Kings Day will be celebrated Saturday at the K-state Research and Extension office.
Family and resource agent for the office Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, who is Puerto Rican, says putting the event on is important to her because it allows for the community to see and learn about Hispanic tradition and culture in Wichita.
“It is an opportunity for our community not just to see how we celebrate the Three Kings Day but also to see how each country’s history has shaped us differently under the same culture.” Brunscheen-Cartagena said. “It will help to have a better understanding of who we are as Hispanics.”
The Wichita event will include a reenactment where three residents will be dressed as the three kings to take photos with children and adults. Multiple tables representing different Hispanic countries with crafts, music and games will be present, Brunscheen-Cartagena said.
Those countries include Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Puerto Rico. Children will also receive a goodie bag filled with candy.
Brunshceen-Cartagena said she is passionate about this tradition in her culture and wants to make sure it is rooted in her children, who are half white.
“If we don’t keep it going, it’s going to go away,” she said. “My husband is from here (U.S.), but my oldest son looks like me and I want him to talk about his roots, and when he gets older, pass them on as well.”
The Three Kings Day event will run from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, 7001 W. 21st St. Admission is free.
This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 7:42 AM.