Culture & Community | Faith & Spirituality | Hamden | Arts & Culture
Grayce Howe Photos.
Beneath the stage, Ingrid Bermudez danced hand-in-hand with her aunt Wildaliz Bermúdez, smiles on both of their faces. The space bustled; music filled the room. Above them, New Haven’s beloved Orquesta Afinke, its members spread across the stage, burst into song.
That was the scene Friday evening, as Hamden hosted its second annual Three Kings Day celebration in the Miller Cultural Complex at 2901 Dixwell Ave. Alongside music from Orquesta Afinke, the celebration included catered food from Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, a photobooth from Rolling Video Games of New England, and books and gifts provided by the donations of the Hamden Toy Drive. Dozens of families and children from the town attended.
The event also included special appearances from Hamden’s very own Three Kings, played by Hamden’s Legislative Council member Sean Cardwell, as well as Joe Baez and Ed Jefferson, husband and father of Hamden Legislative Council President Dominique Baez. Attendees received folding gold crowns, wearing them in honor of the Three Kings.
Ingrid Bermúdez and her aunt, Wildaliz Bermúdez. When she isn't dancing, Bermúdez is the director of New Haven's Fair Rent Commission.
“It’s mostly for the kids and for the city,” Jefferson said. Last year, he was hesitant when his daughter asked him to come to the event dressed as a king. This year he embraced the role proudly, excited to be a part of bringing his community together.
The holiday happens every Jan. 6 and is widely celebrated across the Latino diaspora, including among members of Connecticut’s rich and diverse Latino community. The festival represents the day that people believe three wise men—also known as the Three Kings—rode in on camels and presented gifts to the baby Jesus. Celebrations include feasts, gifting of small presents, parades, and is a way to mark a close to the Christmas holiday season.
For the Jefferson-Baez family, Friday’s celebration was important for multiple generations. While Joe and Ed played kings, Dominique attended with their daughter Zoe and her mother, Nichole Jefferson. Joe recalled how he and Dominique have taken the holiday more seriously since having their daughter four years ago, not only because it’s a way to bring celebration and joy but also to provide experiences unique to her culture.
“The night before we fill up a shoe box of hay and she lays that in front of her bed,” said Joe, “It’s kind of like the equivalent of leaving out cookies and milk for Santa, we leave out the hay for the camels.”
“We like to celebrate the holidays that come from our cultural backgrounds and you know this is one of a few,” added Dominique.
After food was served and people had time to dance and take photos, the designated Kings handed out gift bags to every present child.
“My favorite part about the event is seeing the smiling faces of the children,” said event organizer and town Director of Arts, Culture, Recreation, and Wellness Karen Bivens, “Especially when the Three Kings came out.”
Throughout the holiday season, the town of Hamden made it a point to host events in honor of a variety of religious and cultural celebrations, including its second annual Three Kings Day celebration, third annual Kwanzaa celebration, and first annual Hanukkah celebration.
“We want to offer as many things as possible to our Hamden residents, because we have a very diverse population,” said Dominique Baez. “We deserve as residents to have all the opportunities to celebrate that we can. I’m proud that our town is able to do these things and I’m proud that my family is able to participate. This is just a great opportunity to make sure everyone in town feels welcome.”
When Jefferson was growing up, there weren’t town wide events for specific cultural celebrations, and experiences like Friday’s were very uncommon for children in his community.
“At least they get a chance to have something that’s particularly for them culturally,” he said. “They get to enjoy things so its something for them to look forward to and to bring the families together so that’s a really big plus."
“We want to share in each other’s cultures, support each other, and learn from each other,” Bivens added. “I want people to see themselves in our programming, to feel included and accepted. I believe that enhancing our cultural equity and social inclusion helps to build and strengthen our community.”
During her interview, Karen Bivens also invited community members to get involved, noting that the Hamden Arts Commission is always looking for volunteers. Those who are interested can email culturalaffairs@hamden.com.
Grayce Howe was the Arts Paper's 2024 New Haven Academy intern and is now in her senior year. The New Haven Academy internship is a program for NHA juniors that pairs them with a professional in a field that is interesting to them. Grayce plans to continue writing for the Arts Paper throughout her senior year, so keep an eye out for her byline in these pages!