Mayor Hosts 20th Annual Newark Three Kings Celebration Monday

Ronald McDonald, Dora the Explorer, Batman, Santa and Mrs. Claus and other beloved children’s favorites were all on hand Monday for the city’s annual Feast of the Three Kings celebration, hosted as it has been for the last 20 years by Mayor Luis Quintana.

Hundreds of children and their families turned out at the Essex County College gym for the event, which included a visit from the Magi, the three kings who are believed to have visited the infant Jesus a few weeks after his birth. In the spirit of that tradition, the Magi Monday came bearing gifts for the children who attended.

A popular Christian holiday around the world but especially in Spanish-speaking countries, the Three Kings feast is also known as the Epiphany and is celebrated Jan. 6. The holiday marks the official end of the Christmas season.

Also during the event, Steve Weatherford, the punter for the New York Giants, received the key to the city, while students from a number of schools -- including Ann Street, Branch Brook, Harriet Tubman, Lafayette Street and others -- performed holiday songs