Tonight we had the “Three Kings Day” celebration. I just returned from it and just had to explain how absolutely wonderful and emotional it was. I left still with chills of the incredibility of the celebration.
In the United States, it is Santa Claus that brings toys for all the little boys and girls. In Argentina, and most of Latin America, it is the three kings. At least it is somewhat related to reality than what Coca Cola decided to make up years ago. Anyway, Three Kings day is a big deal for all the little boys and girls here because that special day is the moment that they receive what they have been waiting all year for. I knew it was a big deal, although, I never quite realized how big of a deal it was until I went to the celebration tonight.
Firstly, we arrived late (duh). We were slightly lost getting to the ex-racing track as it is right next to the pre-mountain range in Godoy Cruz, which honestly is difficult to find. Once we arrive there, in front of the stage are THOUSANDS (and I mean about at least 65,741 people) cramped up in a somewhat tiny area to witness this celebration. We, lucky us, get seats in the front row. Although, it was not necessary as the celebration was very dynamic. Basically, on the stage they had a show explaining about Christmas, Christ’s birth, family, and what it means to wait for the Three Kings.
As I mentioned previously, we were right next to the pre-mountain range, so as Mary & Joseph were presented, they were coming down a huge hill on horseback from about 300 meters away…made the event that much more special. However, the real special moment, the moment I realized how big-of-a-deal Three Kings day was, was the moment in which the Three Kings walk down the hill on horseback. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, stood up, jumped up on chairs, lifted children up, some children just went running straight to the three kings, in order to watch as these special men were coming down to bring the baby Jesus (and all the little boys and girls) gifts. Children stood there waiting in anticipation as the three kings tried to reach every group of people in order to receive gift lists so the children of Mendoza can receive exactly what they want. Shoot. I got goosebumps. (I guess you must see it to really get the feeling I have at the moment.)
What made it particularly exceptional was that we were able to meet the founder of this celebration. It used to be a celebration of just the surrounding neighborhood, which is not a very well-to-do neighborhood. All year the people of the “barrio” would get ready for this special event as it really was something to be proud of…something of their own. They would get in front of all the little boys and girls to explain the meaning of Christmas, watch as Jesus was born, and as the Three Kings decided to visit the new King. Over the years, it became more and more popular, yet still run by only the people in the neighborhood, until the moment that the municipality decided to take over and make it the big deal it really was. Well, the founder, still alive and still jolly, never had the pleasure (before 2009) to meet one of the queens of la Vendimia, and had always wanted to. The guy is old. Never met a queen of la Vendimia. Shazaam. So, when he saw us girls he started to tear up, and when the queen of the department actually presented him with pictures he had taken of two queens before her, he just started to bawl. It was extremely emotional. I am not someone who cries or someone who gets emotional, but geez, it was hard not to.
This celebration really made Christmas, the meaning of Christmas—to be around family & friends in honor of the baby Jesus—come alive. Shoot. I want to go to this thing EVERY year from now on.
K bye.
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