Dia de los Reyes in Costa Mesa is a seasonal celebration fit for a king

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The “three kings” wave to the crowd Sunday during a celebration of Dia de los Reyes in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. (Spencer Grant)

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The kings — played by Ruben Alvarez, center, and Mario Rodriguez and Marcial Fornadet — stroll through the crowd during Sunday’s event. (Spencer Grant)

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Janette Ramirez and 4-year-old Ricardo Perez Ramirez enjoy mariachi music during the celebration, which commemorates the story of the three kings who followed a star to reach baby Jesus and present him with gifts. (Spencer Grant)

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Ruben Alvarez, one of the three kings, distributes candy to children at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. (Spencer Grant)

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Children fashion crowns for themselves at a crafts station set up for the Dia de los Reyes celebration. (Spencer Grant)

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Sunday’s event included performances from several groups, including Santa Ana High School’s Mariachi Los Santos. (Spencer Grant)

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Dia de los Reyes attendees could be kings for a day with these cutouts during Sunday’s event at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. (Spencer Grant)

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Flamenco dancers from the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center perform during Sunday’s event. (Spencer Grant)

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Iris Ortiz explains the “Path of Traditions” exhibit at Sunday’s celebration of Dia de los Reyes. The religious holiday marks the end of the Christmas season for many around the world. (Spencer Grant)

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Children peruse a collection of books donated from the Makara Center for the Arts. (Spencer Grant)

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Performers from the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center presented traditional ballet folklorico dances during Dia de los Reyes at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. (Spencer Grant)

By Daily Pilot staff

Jan. 6, 2020 9:37 AM PT

Guests celebrated Dia de los Reyes on Sunday afternoon at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Julianne and George Argyros Plaza.

For the record:

6:43 p.m. Jan. 6, 2020A photo caption with this article originally stated that attendees were looking at books donated by the Segerstrom Family Foundation. The books were donated from the Makara Center for the Arts.

The religious holiday commemorates the story of Los Reyes Magos — the three kings who followed a star for 12 days to reach baby Jesus in Bethlehem and present him with gifts. For many across Latin America and around the world, it marks the end of the Christmas season.

Sunday’s celebration in Costa Mesa included performances by Santa Ana High School’s mariachi band and string ensemble, as well as ballet folklorico and flamenco dancing from the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center.

Families had the chance to snap photos with the kings and sample rosca de reyes, or kings’ cake. The free event also included crafts, storytelling activities and prizes for children.

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Dia de los Reyes in Costa Mesa is a seasonal celebration fit for a king — or three

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