Every January 6th, three camels are led down Park Street, starting near the Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA) office. The “three kings” are usually joined by a handful of local politicians, beauty pageant winners, and people representing businesses along Park Street. The route ends in Pope Park where children receive gifts and ride on camels.
Though Hartford Public Schools are closed on Three Kings Day each year, attendance at this and last year’s parades was lower than usual. Attention from the general public seems to have shifted from the parade itself to the gathering at Pope Park Rec Center.
Luis Rivera, CT Children’s Medical Center; Abelardo King, La Voz Hispana Newspaper
Karem P-R
It was frigid cold. I attended and once I could not feel my toes, I wondered why I ventured going. Many friends and neighbors told me their children and the parents themselves felt it was too cold. They did celebrate the day at home and some gathered in smaller groups in their warm homes.