By Eduardo Arocho,
Division Street Business Development Association After having cancelled the Parade for two consecutive years due to extreme weather, the annual parade picked up where it left off. The Annual Three Kings Parade took place on Wednesday, January 6th, beginning at Roberto Clemente Community Academy and wound up at the Humboldt Park Field House. This tradition has been celebrated in Humboldt Park for over 20 years, which includes the parade and the giving of new toys to thousands of needy children. This colorful parade features The Three Kings on horse & carriage, trolleys and busses, classic fire truck, motorcycles, music and hundreds of children and parents. This year, the Parade was dedicated to the Memory of the late Nancy Franco-Maldonado, wife of Alderman Roberto Maldonado (26th Ward), who passed away December 29th, 2015. The Dรญa de Los Reyes or Three Kings Day is celebrated on January 6th (Day of the Epiphany), which marks the traditional day in Puerto Rico/Latin America when children receive their Christmas Holiday gifts. Today, especially in Puerto Rico, it has become a major (secular) holiday tradition of music, gifts and song. In keeping with this tradition, the Puerto Rican/ Latino community in Humboldt Park comes together to bring gifts and cheer to all the children for the first parade of the year in Chicago. The event was sponsored by Alderman Roberto Maldonado of the 26th Ward, Illinois State Representative Cynthia Soto, The Puerto Rican Cultural Center, the Latin American Motorcycle Association (LAMA), the Chicago Park District (Humboldt Park), Chicago Land Toys For Tots, West Town Bikes, La Voz del Paseo Boricua, Roberto Clemente Community Academy, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School and the Division Street Business Development Association.