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The Egypt neighborhood, a neighborhood of popular tradition built on the slope of the hills to the east of the historic center of Bogotá, celebrates at the beginning of the year the Festival of the Three Kings (Fiesta de Reyes y Epifanía del Barrio Egipto), a centenary celebration that was declared District Heritage in 2005.
Since the 18th century there are records of novena prayers and celebrations around the feast of the Epiphany and the patron saint feast of Our Lady of Egypt, patron saint of the neighborhood, on January 6 and 7 respectively.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, with the arrival of migrants from the countryside to this neighborhood, these festivals acquired a more popular character, taking traditional elements from festivities in rural areas.
Today, many of those traditions are maintained. The main event of the festivities is the live recreation of the events narrated in the New Testament: the epiphany, the adoration of the wise men and the flight of the Virgin Mary, the baby Jesus and Saint Joseph to Egypt at the command of an angel .
During these days, parades are also organized, chicha is drunk and the typical gastronomy of the country's capital is enjoyed. The Three Kings Festival in the Egypt neighborhood has become a fundamental element of the identity of this sector of Bogotá.
It is a perfect opportunity to learn more about popular religious celebrations in the capital and participate in an event that strengthens the sense of community and preserves the cultural heritage of the neighborhood.
