CITY OF MEXICO Jos Luis Escobar Hoyos, a teenage punk 35 years ago, wanted to prove to his mother that his way of life went beyond wearing spikes and chains and listening to loud, fast-paced music.
Thus, on Three Kings Day, also called Epiphany, when children in Mexico usually get presents from the three wise men, he began a project called Kings Punks, where he gathered and gave toys to street children.
As the gift drive got underway on Sunday night, the 50-year-old stated that unity and mutual support are the cornerstones of punk.
Numerous volunteers have joined his endeavor throughout the years. Early on Monday, the punks distributed scooters, dinosaurs, and other gifts to kids in the streets of Mexico’s capital while wearing black boots, glistening piercings, and black t-shirts from their favorite bands.
“It is invaluable to deal with children and the way you become attached and can support them,” Escobar, who goes by El Picos in the community, said. We tell people that we don’t want any kind of acknowledgment, diplomas, or anything else. We do this because we are punks.
Escobar has recently broadened his scope to cover some of Mexico City’s migrant encampments in addition to the areas where he knows Mexican families are living on the streets.
Peter Punk, a lucha libre wrestler wearing black tights and a green and white mask, also joined in, engaging in quick wrestling matches on the sidewalk at each location. Additionally, volunteers string up a pi ata stocked with candy for kids to play with.
Marcos Grande, a shoemaker, is among the volunteers. He brought seven pairs of his boots to donate this year.
“What is satisfying is taking it to a place where it sometimes does not reach, where they do not have the three kings, but now here are friends, the group, the punks,” he added, adding that it brings the youngsters delight and satisfaction because many children do not have it.
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