Senator Serrano celebrated Three Kings Day, an annual holiday event, which culminated in the traditional parade through the streets of East Harlem.
The Senator praised organizers during a morning breakfast at El Museo del Barrio, which sponsored the 32nd Annual Parade. "This is one of the most anticipated days of the year. Live camels in East Harlem during winter is definitely a spectacle. But it's also more than that. It's a reminder of our roots, and of the heritage we must protect."
This year's three honored "padrinos" were New York State Secretary of State Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez, the first-ever female "king" of the parade; Luis Miranda, founder of the Hispanic Federation, and former chair of the New York Health and Hospitals Corporation; and Jesus "Papoleto" Melendez, one of the founders of the Nuyorican poetry movement, and a native of East Harlem.
"I cannot think of a more outstanding lineup of true talent and heart. These three honorees have devoted their lives to the betterment of not just the Latino community, but the broader New York community as well," said the Senator.
Later in the day, he participated in a post-parade banquet at the Bonifacio Cora Texidor Senior Center, sponsored by Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito, and then a special luncheon with El Museo staff members in the museum.
"It has been my honor to support El Museo during my time in office," said the Senator. "The administration and staff are acutely aware of the role they play in protecting our history, inspiring our future, and developing an inter-connected and deeply-rooted East Harlem community."
