Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade hosts Three Kings Day event, its first since COVID-19 pandemic

The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade’s first event of 2024 featured a Three Kings Day cultural celebration at the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community Center on Sunday, Jan. 28. This was the organization’s first event since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community members took part in the painting workshop at the Three Kings Day event. Photo courtesy Miriam Quinones

“Culture is very important to us and it was to our beloved Francisco Gonzalez,” said Maribel Mercado, the organization’s president. “We want to keep his spirit alive with what he truly loved.”

The event was sponsored by state Sen. Nathalia Fernandez.

MAS production Jacqueline Acevedo, event sponsor and State Senator Nathalia Fernandezand the director of Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community Center at the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade’s re-launch event. — MAS production Jacqueline Acevedo, event sponsor and State Senator Nathalia Fernandez and the director of Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community Center at the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade’s re-launch event. Photo courtesy Miriam Quinones

There was a small pop-up shop at the event with MAS Productions, board members, volunteers, local vendors and DJ Jose Rivera. All attendees ages 5 and up were invited to participate in the painting workshop and pageant applications for 2024 were given out for participants from ages 5 and up.