The cavalcade of the Three Wise Men
Los Reyes Magos (lit. transl.: The Kings Wizards) are known in English as the three Wise Men. If you are in Spain during the first week of January, and if you are curious about the Spanish traditions and celebrations, then you shouldn’t absolutely miss the events taking place on the 5th and 6th of January.
The cavalcade
On the 5th of January, la cabalgata de Los Reyes Magos is a wonderful explosion of joy and colors dedicated to the little ones, but, let’s tell the truth, it is for children of every age!
The cavalcade represents the arrival of the Three Wise Men, Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar, visiting Jesus and bringing their presents to him.
In the Spanish tradition, this is represented with a majestic event in the main streets of the towns, where all the townpeople gathers to welcome the Kings. When they arrive, they through candies to children, who try to collect as many sweets as possible.
Within the Christian culture, it is believed that these three men (actually some sources speak about twelve men), able to read in the movements of the stars the happening of important events, followed the movements of the stars to the location where Jesus was born.
Presents for children and conclusion of Christmas
As set by the Chrisitian tradition, children – if they behaved!!! 😉 – receive presents from the Kings on the day known as the Epiphany, the day after the cavalcade, that is, on the 6th of January. Spain is not the only country where children receive their presents on this day. Also the Southern American countries celebrate the Epiphany, while in Italy it is an important day too, but it is not based on the three Wise Men.
The Epiphany (in Spanish, el día de Los Reyes) concludes the Christmas time. On the next day kids go back to school and the family routine comes back as it was before the Christmas holidays.
How about in your country? Do you celebrate the Epiphany or the day of the Three Wise Men? Leave a comment. We’ll highly appreciate it!
For those living in Costa Tropical.
There will be events in several towns. Here we report some:
Vélez de Benaudalla: link to the Facebook page where you can find details about the event
Salobreña: link to Facebook page where you can find details about the event
Gualchos-Castell de Ferro: link to Facebook page where you can find details about the event. P.S. the program has been modified due to the weather conditions.
At 6:00 p.m. they will arrive at the Cultural Interpretation Center of the Costa Tropical (former hostel, El Romeral) and they will distribute toys. At 7:00 p.m., they will arrive at the Town Hall (Castell de Ferro), where they will greet from the balcony and then receive the boys and girls in the Assembly Hall. In Gualchos it will be at 7:00 p.m. when their Majesties arrive at the Banco de Sensaciones, where they will present the gifts.
Sorvilán: link to Facebook page where you can find details about the event
Almuñecar: link to Facebook page where you can find details about the event
We recommend to give a look also to the programs for the 6th of January.
Give a look also to the program of the cavalcade in the town of Granada by clickingon this link
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