How to celebrate Three Kings Day around Connecticut

Three Kings Day on Jan. 6 celebrates the Three Wise Men, who are said in the Book of Matthew to have journeyed on the backs of camels to the town of Bethlehem (in present-day Palestine) to meet the newborn Jesus Christ. Once they reached their destination they presented the baby with gifts of expensive frankincense, myrrh and gold. To mirror the actions of the Three Wise Men, who were named Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, several events around Connecticut are held on or near Jan. 6, during which individuals dress up as kings and give gifts to children. Aside from events, several bakeries are also preparing Rosca de Reyes — a type of bread crown (made of yeast and flour), which is decorated with sugary powder (similar to Mexican conchas) and multicolored candied fruits and figs. A toy representing baby Jesus will sometimes be baked into one of the slices of the dessert. Here is how you can celebrate Three Kings Day around Connecticut: The city of Bridgeport will bring back its annual celebration at Luis Munoz Marin School on Friday, where Bridgeport police officers give gifts to children, the city's website states. Visitors of Meriden Public Library on Sunday will find festive music, refreshments and gifts (for those eight years old and under) to celebrate Three Kings Day. The music is performed by the Cardona Family, a local group that focuses on traditional Puerto Rican music. More information about the Three Kings Day Celebration at Meriden Public Library here. Guests at the Hartford Public Library can make arts and crafts and see a musical performance by Movimiento Cultural Afro Continental, which aims to teach event-goers about Puerto Rico's African folklore and dances, on Friday. The Angel of Edgewood food pantry will also be providing food for the event. More information about Three Kings Day at Hartford Public Library here. Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford and the Spanish American Merchants Association will be handing out toys to children at 45 Wadsworth Street in Hartford on Friday. Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin is expected to make a stop at the event, according to information provided by the city of Hartford. The Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival aims to take guests back to the 15th century with a feast and musical reenactment of Jesus' birth, including visits from the Three Wise Men, at Asylum Hill Congregational Church on Saturday and Sunday. More information about the 2023 Boar's Head & Yule Log Festival here. Several bakeries around Connecticut are offering the special dessert, including Elizabeth's Bakery, Gomez Bakery and Abrantes Bakery.

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