Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Eduardo T Otero | 191217-N-KH151-0042 NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Dec. 17, 2019) An American from Naval...... read more read more
Since the fourth century, our host nation of Spain celebrates El Día de los Reyes, (Three Kings Day) or simply just the Epiphany on Jan. 6. This Christmas tradition pays homage to the biblical story of the three kings: Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar (also referred to as the Three Wise Men or Magi), and their journey to visit baby Christ. According to the story, they followed a star across the desert for 12 days to Bethlehem and brought with them gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
On the night of Jan. 5, children across Spain await the arrival of the Three Kings, who leave their Christmas spirit footprint by delivering presents to all the households in the territory.
Marques de Santa Cruz elementary school, which is located in the Spanish military housing area aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, has their own Three Kings tradition.
According to the tradition of “El Paje Real” (Royal Postman), the Three Kings ask for assistance from the U.S. Navy Sailors and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians stationed in the area to accomplish their holiday mission. Every year, they choose a person from the American side of NAVSTA Rota who will be tasked not only with receiving all of the children’s letters to the Three Kings, but also with acting as a messenger to teach important values to the students.
“The tradition of the Royal Postman is one of the most important events of the year for the kids,” said Rafael Reyes, the school’s vice principal. “We are fortunate to always have the support of the American side of the base for this event.”
At 10 a.m., over 150 students from kindergarten to second grade await the arrival of the Royal Postman. All the kids have a very special letter in their hand waiting to turn in to the royal messenger---letters that express all types of feelings and wishes.
“The kids are delighted and highly motivated because they know their petitions in the letter will be given to the Three Wise Men directly by the Royal Postman,” said Reyes.
One by one, the children meet the Royal Postman. They all want to talk to him and clarify the details of their requests while making it very clear how good they have been during the year. At the end of the morning, the royal bags are full of letters.
“The timeless hours and effort put in from all the counterparts of the school are priceless and worthwhile because it gives the kids the opportunity to enjoy this event every year, and it creates a positive experience for all of us,” said Rosa Venegas, president of the Parents Association.
The event also serves as a great opportunity for the school to reach their curricular objectives and to teach a wide range of lessons to the students.
“The event gives the students the opportunity to work and improve their writing skills and to go over important and universal values, such as tolerance, equality, peace and hope; topics that are part of the curricular objectives,” said Reyes.
As in year’s past, the Royal Postman once again fulfilled his deeds to the highest of his abilities, making sure that all the petitions and letters were expressed to the Three Kings this year. Most importantly, he asked for all active duty members that are not at home during the holiday season to be protected at sea, land or air.
Three Kings Day and the Royal Postman’s visit remain important traditions for our hosts. The children can continue to count on the Royal Postman to play a key part in helping the Three Kings collect all the letters from children, and teaching them important lessons next year and for years to come.
| Date Taken: | 01.15.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 01.15.2020 06:23 |
| Story ID: | 359223 |
| Location: | ROTA, ES |
| Web Views: | 180 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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