The Christmas season in Salinas extends way past Christmas Day. The Feast of the Three Kings also known as the Epiphany takes place every year on January 6th. It is an intricate part of Puerto Rican folklore. Traditionally, this day is very important, especially for children, for it is on this eve that they will receive their gifts. Children collect hay, straw or grass and place it in boxes or containers under their beds. This gesture is a gift of food for the Kings' Horses while they rest in between deliveries. Note:(There are noCamels in PR). If a child is good for the past year he will receive candies, sweets or toys. If the child was misbehaved or naughty he would instead find a lump of dirt or charcoal in his box. This tradition is much older than that of Santa's visit on Christmas Eve.
On the Saturday after January 6th all horses descend on Salinas. We happened to have a car that day and returned to the marina inching through the crowded streets. There were estimated to be over 1,000 horses attending the celebration.
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