The parishes of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Nicholas, as well as Saints Cyril and Methodius, also joined the street Nativity play. As tradition dictates, the colorful procession passed through the streets of Bolesławiec to the Market Square to celebrate together.
The Three Kings Procession is a direct reference to the tradition of staging street Nativity plays. At the same time, it brings events from thousands of years ago into the present day—so that the most important story in the history of the world can continue to be retold. That is why traditional themes in the Procession are combined with the most current ones, showing that events from 2,000 years ago still matter to people today. The Procession is led by the Three Kings, symbolizing the three continents—Europe, Asia and Africa. They travel on horseback, wearing richly decorated robes and headwear. Their entourage consists of hundreds of children dressed in colorful costumes representing membership in one of the three processions. They are accompanied by highlander bands and live animals. The city's residents follow them, wearing colorful crowns and singing carols.
The culmination is the bowing before the Infant Jesus and the Holy Family, followed by communal carol singing. The Procession is intended to recall Poland's rich Nativity-play tradition and, above all, to encourage people to experience the Feast of the Three Kings together and joyfully. It refers to the multicolored, singing processions of carolers proclaiming the good and joyful news of the birth of the Infant Jesus. The Procession also has an evangelizing and charitable dimension.
The Three Kings Procession is a local, grassroots initiative. It is organized by ordinary people—families, young people and children. In many towns, the Three Kings Procession marks the beginning of local cooperation that continues throughout the year through various activities for the benefit of the community.
UM Bolesławiec/www.orszak.org/ii