This is one of New York's warmest neighborhood traditions — a real community celebration of Latino culture rather than a tourist spectacle, and the only NYC parade featuring live camels. It lands on a quiet-calendar weekday, making it an easy, free, one-of-a-kind cultural outing. The parade's half-century of history through El Barrio gives it a depth few city events can match.
What to expect
A morning procession through East Harlem (historically stepping off around 11am along 106th Street and Third/Park Avenues) lasting about 90 minutes, with music, giant puppets, and school groups, followed by celebrations and giveaways. Family-heavy, festive, and cold — dress warm.
Good to know
- Expected Wednesday, January 6, 2027 — the museum announces the route and details in December; based on the fixed annual tradition
- Free and open to all; wheelchair accessible per the museum's event listings
- The parade historically runs through East Harlem near El Museo del Barrio (1230 Fifth Ave at 104th St)
- Live camels, sheep, and a donkey march — a hit with kids
- 6 train to 103 St or 110 St puts you on the route
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Common questions
What is Three Kings Day?
Día de los Reyes (Epiphany), January 6, celebrates the Magi's visit to the infant Jesus and is a major gift-giving holiday across Latin America and the Caribbean. El Museo del Barrio's parade has celebrated it in East Harlem for nearly five decades.
Is the parade confirmed for 2027?
El Museo had not yet posted 2027 details at the time of writing, but the parade is a fixed annual tradition every January 6 — 2026 was the 48th consecutive year. Check elmuseo.org in December for the route and schedule.
