New York, NY – Congressman Charles Rangel issued the following statement in honor of The Feast of the Epiphany, more commonly referred to as Three Kings Day, today on January 6, 2012:

"Today millions of people from Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America celebrate the Biblical journey of the three Kings, Balthazar, Melchior, and Caspar, who trekked across the desert to visit the newborn Baby Jesus twelve days after his birth. Defined by Christians as the Feast of the Epiphany, this holiday officially brings the Christmas season to an end for the Hispanic community.

Every year, we observe Three Kings Day in unity with our families, friends, and community to celebrate the meaning of this holiday which conveys the spirit of honor and giving.  Our Manhattan Congressional District marks this special day with a dynamic parade that floods the streets of El Barrio with music, colorful costumes, floats and thousands of spectators. I am very proud to join my Hispanic constituents in observing this religious tradition that encourages a sense of kinship while emphasizing diversity, selflessness, and reciprocity. 

I am grateful for these great Latino-based organizations that work tirelessly in our District to uphold cultural traditions and pride in our neighborhoods: El Museo del Barrio, Comite Noviembre, CECOMEX, Julia De Burgos Latino Cultural Center, Association of Hispanic Arts, Taller Boricua PR Workshop, Casa Puebla, Casabe Houses Inc., La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertoriquena, Hispanic Federation, and Alianza Domincana.

As we move forward in this New Year, I hope my Colleagues in Congress would put our differences aside to renew our sense of cooperation for the sake of improving the lives of the American people.