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This year I had the priviledge of witnessing the Spanish Harlem 3 Kings Day Parade. It was the perfect accent to my day. And one of those moments that told me that even though I was not “Home” in Puerto Rico, I was “Home” in the United States. All efforts of gentrification have a force to reckon with still. I think Esmeralda Santiago described a similar experience had by her in “The Turkish Lover”. After years of roaming the U.S. looking for work and career, I am in the neighborhood that could be my Puerto Rico away from Puerto Rico.

But back to Three Kings Day. People in Puerto Rico and other parts of Latin America could agree that this day is held even more importantly as a celebration than December 25th. It was the original gift giving day in Puerto Rican Christmas. I remember that for at least 8 years of my childhood. “Santa Claus” was not really a gift giver of any sort. The memories are very magical to me even on this day. I can close my eyes on January 6th (and the 5th – La Vispera de los Reyes Magos) and live all the impressions left by that day. The colorful little box for “la yerba de los camellos” that we decorated, the letter left with it. There was no tradition of Christmas Tree, the original place to look for presents was under our bed. The excitement of looking up into the sky and expect, or even more -know- with childhood certainty, that the Star of the Epiphany was flying somewhere up there telling “Los Reyes Magos” where was your house.

Now the traditions change. I live in a place where thank goodness I have a parade I can attend. That still holds the day up with importance. They bring camels up to 3rd Avenue and the walk starts from a 106th to 125th. This has become such an amazing cultural event that when the Economic Crisis budget cuts made by city funding threatened the parade to do without camels, public officials and a company called Atlantis Management Group came through to provide the magic once more. I closed my eyes and delved on those memories, knowing that they carry a little treasure I carry with me always. The star of the Epiphany tell “Los Reyes Magos” that a new year starts inside of everyone, a new birth, a new miracle in everyones inner child. And the gift is what you unravel through the year.

I hope everyones year is filled with blessings and great experiences.

Sincerely

Shanali