The New Haven-based bomba group Proyecto Cimarrón was already laying down traditional Puerto Rican rhythms in Keefe Community Center on Pine Street in Hamden, when families streamed into the room, ready to take part in the town’s first official celebration of Three Kings Day on Thursday evening.
Karen Bivens, the town of Hamden’s director of arts, culture, recreation and wellness, noted that the Three Kings event was part of a push to expand the town’s cultural programming. “We have so many different types of people here, so many folks from different backgrounds,” she said. “We’re trying to open up our cultural programming to represent everybody, so everybody sees a little bit of themselves here, and feels like they belong.”
She cited Hamden’s steadily changing demographics and increasing diversity, especially among young people. “You can see that here — we have an amazing Hispanic population, and folks who just wanted to come and celebrate. Folks for whom it’s part of their culture, and folks who just want to learn about it.”
Bivens said the town has also been trying to hold events in different neighborhoods, from Miller Library to various town parks. She wanted to do some holiday programming at Keefe, but its large meeting room was used first for its turkey drive and then for its toy drive. “The space is filled with toys from Thanksgiving on,” she said. Next week the space will be used as a warming center for those experiencing homelessness, starting Jan. 8. This weekend happened to be the only one where the room was free — making the timing perfect.
“Last week was our second annual Kwanzaa,” Bivens said of the town’s celebrations. “This is our first Three Kings, and I hope that we continue it every year.”
Families arrived early to take part in the celebration. Keefe staff had items from a clothing and book drive ready and waiting.
On the other side of the room, a table was set up with a small bale of hay and a series of paper bags. Stapled to each bag was a small note explaining some of the significance of Three Kings Day, and specifically the Puerto Rican tradition of children leaving a box of hay out for the kings to leave presents.
In another corner of the room, a photo booth was set up to allow kids to make a souvenir of the occasion.
The room quickly filled with people, and kids got to work assembling crowns, for their own heads and to place on the heads of smiling parents.
Hamden mayor Lauren Garrett welcomed everyone to the celebration, and Bivens explained what was in store, from musical performances to food to a visit from the kings.
Said food was provided by La Isla, a Puerto Rican restaurant on Dixwell Avenue in Hamden. This night La Isla provided rice and peas, plantains, and a choice of chicken or pork. To an undecided child, the server gave a wide smile. “You got to try my chicken,” she said.
As everyone enjoyed their meal, chatted, and visited with one another, Proyecto Cimarrón further warmed up the room with music and dancing. The musical group is known for anchoring educational events about bomba and Puerto Rican culture and history, but here it served its community without needing explanation. The singers announced that the dance floor was open, encouraging people not to be shy. “You can’t get it wrong,” they said of the dancing, explaining that the conversation between the drummers would happen no matter what movements the dancers chose.
A first dancer, Hamden Legislative Council President Dominique Baez, broke the ice, addressing her attention to the drummers, and then to her daughter Zoe.
One by one, more people got up and danced, forming lines while small children ran between them. That was when it was announced that the three kings had arrived.
Smiling, the three kings (pictured) — Joseph Baez, Council member Sean Cardwell, and Edward Jefferson — moved through the room, up and down the aisles of long tables, distributing gifts both directly to kids and to adults who had kids in their lives. Recreation supervisor Sallie Lowry and Chef V of La Isla served the food. The feeling of joy in the room, already high, rose even higher, and Proyecto Cimarrón continued to play, a rhythm open and generous and free.