Miami Heat basketball star Shaquille O'Neal was the grand marshal in the annual Three Kings Parade along Calle Ocho.

BY SUSAN ANASAGASTI

For the thousands who gathered Sunday in Little Havana for the traditional Three Kings Parade, the extra wait for the king of basketball -- Shaquille O'Neal -- was well worth it.

Organizers decided to push the festivities back a week to fit the grand marshal's busy schedule. Clad in Heat jerseys and sports caps, many spectators agreed O'Neal was the highlight in the parade along Calle Ocho.

Patricia Colon and friend Sol Valdes were among those who waited anxiously to catch a glimpse of Miami's newest all-star. And, they were not disappointed.

''He's so tall -- and big,'' said 9-year-old Patricia, who could describe O'Neal's seven-foot one-inch and 325-pound physique, but not the names of the Three Kings.

The parade celebrates the Hispanic tradition of Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar going to see the infant Jesus in Bethlehem on Jan. 6, the Epiphany. The Miami festival is traditionally held the weekend after.

But parade organizers really wanted O'Neal, an A-list superstar who is followed by millions, to take part in the Hispanic celebration.

''It should have happened last week, but he was well worth the wait,'' said Monica Rabassa, director of marketing, communications and special events for Univisión Radio Miami. 'He was fantastic. Not only was he so nice, he walked the last part of the parade, saying 'Hi' to everybody.''

A TRADITION

Traditionalists like Marlene Cervantes were also at the parade on Sunday. Cervantes comes year after year to see the wise men, or Los Reyes Magos -- and their camels.

Along Calle Ocho between Southwest 11th and 12th avenues, Cervantes offered a lesson in Hispanic tradition. Her granddaughter Patricia had heard the tale once before, but she stood nearby listening.

''Los Reyes Magos followed the north star to Bethlehem that led them to Jesus,'' Cervantes said. "And they offered Jesus three gifts.''

Though interested, Patricia and her uncle Jorge Perez, who recently arrived from Colombia, couldn't wait to see O'Neal.

And O'Neal came through for his South Florida fans. He honored the cultural event while making his way through Little Havana, shaking hands with fans and occasionally posing for photos.

''Muchas gracias, Miami,'' O'Neal said, adding that he understands the importance of the celebration.

Throughout the day, an array of Latin music, food and flavor could be savored throughout the streets. And also making their way across a stretch of about two miles in Little Havana were Disney characters in their neon conga outfits.

Some spectators came with beach chairs, coolers and even some homemade guava pastries .

The parade brought back childhood memories for others. Maria Flores, 50, rushed with her family of about 15, to claim a longtime spot on Southwest Eighth Street and Southwest 11th Avenue.

ANNUAL CELEBRATION

''Every year, since I can remember, I have been coming to the parade,'' said Flores, who now lives in Kendall. ``We've always known this area; when we first came from Cuba, I lived nearby.''

Elected officials were also on cue, among them were U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami; U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami; and Joe Martinez, chairman of the Miami-Dade County Commission.

''It's a great tradition, not just for Cubans, but for all Hispanic heritages,'' Miami Mayor Manny Diaz said. ``That's why we have to keep it alive.''