By Della Hasselle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Three kings dressed in designer garb from this year's "Project Runway" winner marked the end of Christmas season in East Harlem, as residents celebrated the 34th annual "Three Kings Day" parade Thursday.
Hundreds of students marched and locals danced and sang in the parade which featured live camels, Dominican and Caribbean floats and the three honorary kings, who mark the Latin American tradition of the Feast of the Epiphany.
The holiday, celebrated with music, floats and gifts from El Museo del Barrio marks the day when believers say the three kings followed the North star to the Bethlehem manger where Jesus was born.
The three honorary kings who concluded the parade looked regal, wearing capes designed by "Project Runway" winner Emilio Sosa, who is a native New Yorker and has ties to the neighborhood's beloved institution.
"We were thrilled when Emilio accepted our invitation to design and create our new Three Kings costumes," Aurora, the Family Programs and Cultural Celebrations Manager of El Museo Del Barrio said, according to their Facebook page.
"When I met with Emilio last summer to discuss our collaboration, he mentioned having very fond childhood memories of El Museo that shaped his dream of becoming a designer. It’s wonderful that his experience has come ... full circle, and we are thankful for the beautiful costumes that he’s created for our parade.”
But the fashion designer's contribution wasn't the only thing that excited residents. Veterans of the parade said that the holiday, which is another day for participants to exchange gifts, is a deeply entrenched and beloved tradition. One custom is to leave out hay for the camels, similar to leaving milk and cookies for Santa Claus.
"It's not only a way to preserve arts and culture of the Latin American community of El Barrio, but it's actually one of the most fun and beloved things we do every year," the museum's artist educator Edwin Gonzalez, 37, said.
"I remember it from when I was a kid, and now I've been going to this parade for a long time — since 1960. It's a tradition," East Harlem resident Felepalle Baloe, 60, said, as he danced and played the guiro, a traditional instrument from Puerto Rico.
Even those new to the parade said they vowed to return.
"I love all the great bands, the singing, the cowbells and the camels," East Harlem resident and writer Craig Nelson, 37, said.
"I love the floats too! Next year, I'm telling my wife to take off work. It's worth it."
