CELEBRATIONS • January

Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year's Swim
Brooklyn
January 1, 1 p.m.
Coney Island, Stillwell Avenue & the Boardwalk

Since 1903, members of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club (probably the oldest such swim club in America having celebrated its 100th anniversary on New Year's Day 2003) have been rejuvenating themselves weekly in the winter waters of the Atlantic. Temperatures as low as 34 degrees cannot sway what one long-time fan calls this "unique group of hearty souls." Join in their special New Year's Day ceremony.

Following the raising of the American and Polar Bear Club flags and a few calisthenics on the beach, the swimmers enter the ocean and turn to face the sun. Take part in the regular swim every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. from November to May.

For more information: Coney Island Polar Bear Club:718-356-7741, http://www.winterbathers.com

Last Checked: 9/2003

Three Kings' Day Parade
Manhattan
Weekday near January 6th, 10:30 am to noon, East Harlem, begins at El Museo del Barrio, Fifth Avenue at 104th Street

Since 1977 East Harlem has celebrated El Dia de los Reyes Magos with a Three Kings Day parade, a joyous procession through the streets of El Barrio dramatizing the three wise Kings' biblical journey to the Christ child. Led by the three Kings in regal, bejeweled costumes, and accompanied by camels, sheep, or horses, tall puppets, and inspirational music makers, hundreds of children and adults march through the neighborhood and hundreds more line the streets to watch.

The parade is followed by a lively theater program at El Museo's Teatro Hecksher, concluding with the tradition of gift giving by the Three Kings to the children attending the event. For weeks before the parade, children prepare floats, costumes and puppets, their enthusiasm fueled by anticipation of the Latino community's major gift-giving holiday. All are invited to join the free celebration. Advance registration is REQUIRED for group participation in the parade and theater program.

For more information: El Museo del Barrio: 212-831-7272 x102, www.elmuseo.org

Last Checked: 9/2003

Winter Pageant
Manhattan
Last weekend in January 7:00pm
Tompkins Square Park

Halfway between the solstice and the equinox, urban gardeners of the Lower East Side and their neighbors "carry the light of nature into spring" to celebrate gardens, community, city, and earth. The winter pageant features an illuminated procession of spectacular costumed winter spirits and giant puppets representing "Father Winter," "Ice Spirit," and "Earth Spirit," dancing snowflakes in glittering gowns, and hundreds of glowing lanterns. The spectacular winter ceremony features: fire dancers, a garden-scape of shadow, light, and multi-media projections, singers, and an illuminated winter angel that flies from a six-story building into the garden. Hot cider and apples are usually served. The happy procession wraps around Tompkins Square Park and culminates at 638 East 6th Street (between Aves. B & C). The performance takes place at the Plaza Cultural Garden on 9th St. & Ave. C—SW corner.

For more information: Earth Celebrations: 212-777-7969, http://users.rcn.com/earthcel/winter.html
or earthcel@interport.net

Last Checked: 9/2003

Jishin Balpgi Korean New Year Tradition
Flushing, Queens; Manhattan; The Bronx
Late January, early February

The Korean tradition of ushering in the Lunar New Year symbolizes the ritual cleansing of the village and the chasing away of bad spirits. Drumming, dancing, and chanting at homes and businesses in the streets of New York bring peace and good fortune for the new year. At each stop the drummers are offered rice cakes and wine in return. These exchanges, along with a large festival with Korean food, dance troupes, and games, foster a sense of community and sustain the cultural legacy of Jishin Balpgi, or "Stepping on the Spirit of the Earth."

For more information: Young Korean American Service and Education Center, Inc,: 717-460-5600, www.ykasec.org, ykasec@ykasec.org (Ms. Yuna Im)

Last Checked: 9/2003

Idul Fitr
Brooklyn
Late January, 8:30 a.m. until dusk
Prospect Park, if weather permits, otherwise held in mosques citywide

This "feast of the breaking of the fast," ends the Islamic month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours. The first day of the Eid begins early with congregational prayers and a sermon. When held in Prospect Park, the sight of thousands of Muslims gathered to pray in unison—many in traditional dress and turbans—is moving in its scale and solemnity. The rest of the day is spent feasting and sharing gifts.

For more information: Taqwa Mosque 718-622-0800

Last Checked: 5/2004