WINDHAM - The three kings, upon their thrones and adorned in crowns and silky bright robes, sat in front of rows of presents Saturday as children swarmed toward them and hundreds of families eagerly awaited gifts at the revival of Windham's Three Kings Day celebration.

Dia de Los Reyes, or Three Kings Day, is an annual celebration held Jan. 6 that recognizes the arrival of the three wise men who visit baby Jesus. Traditionally in Hispanic culture, children will line up their shoes by the door or leave grass for the three wise men's camels. In exchange, the three kings leave presents.

Saturday's event, held at Windham High School and organized by the Windham Public Schools Department of Community Engagement and Family Partnerships, offered traditional Mexican and Puerto Rican food, music, presents and comraderie.

"I've always loved celebrating with family and friends," Teresa Diaz, chairman of the event, said. She said her father also used to head up the event. "I'm so happy to see it return."

The last time Windham held a Three Kings Day celebration was in 2013. Previously, organizers had difficulty securing donations and a venue.

This year, there were hundreds of dolls, games, race cars, Lego sets and more ripe for the plucking. And a Windham school parent, who is also a caterer, provided the overwhelming amount of food.

"There has always been a strong Hispanic community in town. But with the amount of people who have come here from Puerto Rico recently, I think this was the best time to have the event come back," Diaz said.

According to Bill Stover, director of Windham Public Schools Department of Community Engagement and Family Partnerships, there are 57 new families with 97 new children in the school system who came from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

"It's comforting to have your traditions continued," Stover said.

US Sen. Chris Murphy, who spent two days in Puerto Rico with Sen. Richard Blumenthal last week, briefly spoke at the four-hour event. Murphy said the generosity of the state had been recognized in Puerto Rico during his visit.

"You have been so generous in your donations," he said. "Almost every person we met this week in Puerto Rico knew about the donations from Connecticut."

Miriam Jimenez said she grew up in Puerto Rico celebrating Three Kings Day. She has lived in Willimantic for nine years, and brought her 2-year-old daughter Joanelyz to see the kings, as well as wait for presents.

"I am very happy to be here," she said, holding her daughter.