As part of its ongoing commitment to Hispanic audiences in the United States and Puerto Rico, HITN supports cultural initiatives that preserve long-standing traditions.
This year, Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of HITN, attended the 27th anniversary of the Three Kings Festival in Vieques. The event took place on January 7, one day after the traditional observance of Epiphany. In Puerto Rican culture, Epiphany —El Día de los Reyes Magos— stands as one of the most significant celebrations of the holiday season, emphasizing family values, faith, and shared heritage.
Led by festival co-founders Ramón Figueroa Sorrentini and Irmgard Iglesias, the celebration was held at the local Parque Esperanza. For nearly three decades, the gathering has represented cultural pride and resilience on the island, sustaining the Three Kings tradition for younger generations.
The event also recognized individuals whose work has shaped Vieques’ cultural life. Aurora Rosa, the young artist who designed this year’s festival T-shirt, received recognition, along with Myrna Pagán, a retired educator, poet, and visual artist from Vieques, who created the artwork featured on the commemorative plate. Pagán was honored for her lifetime contributions to education and the arts and, in turn, presented Figueroa Sorrentini and Iglesias with a painting of Filiberto Ojeda Ríos.
Two scholarships were premiered during the Festival: the Vida y Salud Scholarships, which were named after Candi Pérez and Elmer Sánchez, two recently deceased activists and supporters of the Festival. The announcement has triggered discussion among the festival supporters of more scholarships, possibly named after Juan Santiago, deceased attorney and consistent advocate for children’s rights, and another one named after Carlos “Taso” Zenon, deceased Vieques leader, and finally, the last one named after Luis Antonio Figueroa Iglesias, deceased son of Festival founders Ramón Figueroa Sorentini and Irmgard Iglesias.
During the official ceremony, Ramón Figueroa Sorrentini recognized Mike Nieves for HITN’s consistent sponsorship since the festival’s inception. Volunteers from the network were also acknowledged for their ongoing involvement and service. Mike, in return, presented Ramón and Irmgard with the Emmy Award plaque the station won for its submission on them and the Festival. The piece is available on the HITN YouTube channel.
Participants who have portrayed the Three Kings for more than a decade led children and teenagers in a traditional procession, “riding” wooden horses around the park before stopping at the stage for photographs.
Young residents remained the focus of the festivities. More than 500 gifts were distributed to children aged 6 months to 14 years. In addition, a health corridor provided free diabetes and high blood pressure screenings, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on wellness.
The festival concluded with hundreds of families celebrating together, reflecting HITN’s mission to educate and entertain while supporting cultural continuity and community well-being.
