The 47th annual parade started at 106th Street, winding through the streets of East Harlem before culminating at 115th Street and Park Avenue.
Three Kings Day is a popular holiday among Latino communities. The January 6 tradition brings an end to the holiday season and recounts the biblical story of the three Wise Men.
Spectators who came out and braved the weather were able to catch live music, colorful costumes and thousands of marchers.
"We are just so excited be in love with our community and to be so festive," said Ayo Mendez-Torres, assistant principal of P.S. 102. "And so today we took the time - rain, sleet or snow - just to be in the midst of our community."
This year's parade theme is "The Arts Open Paths: Celebrating the Transformative Power of the Arts," which celebrates the power that Latinx, Caribbean, and Latin American art have in connecting culture and uplifting communities.
Three Kings Day is widely celebrated throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, and many students in the neighborhood have family ties to that part of the world.
Parents and teachers say the event provides a unique educational opportunity.
"It's part of the kids culture. We try to make sure that the kids are celebrating their culture and that we are embracing everything that they grew up with," said P.S. 112 teacher Rachel Lindsay.
Meanwhile, resident Willie Mejia says the holiday brings back memories of celebrating during his childhood.
"We were taught as kids to leave milk and crackers under your bed for the Three Kings to receive a gift. So, for all those who think it's over with on December 25th, we extended it to January 6th," Mejia said.
While Three Kings Day is a celebration of both culture and community, it is also a Christmas story.
Junior Alvarado carried his gift of frankincense as "King Melchoir," a role he has played for decades.
"It's rewarding. It's very refreshing educate the people, to bring them together to let them know what the tradition is about," Alvarado said.
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