On Twelfth Night all Spaniards, young and old, go back to childhood. The illusion of getting up and seeing the Christmas tree full of gifts It doesn’t disappear over the years, it just transforms. Of course, when there are children at home it becomes the most magical day of the year.
Despite the fact that the start of the Christmas holidays is far away, the excitement does not disappear until the Wizards of the East pass through all homes. And for that to happen it is necessary follow all the traditions: leave your shoes under the tree, prepare an aperitif for Their Majesties, buy the Roscón for breakfast in the morning… and go to the Parade the day before.
Despite the fact that the covid-19 made these parades take place lackluster, the triumphant walk of Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar did not stop even in 2020. Of course, it is expected that this year it will recover all its splendor, which also includes the candy throw. The fastest get candy on January 5 for the rest of the year.
There are many Spanish cities with a deeply rooted tradition of the Three Kings Parade. And although the smiles of the little ones can be found in every corner, there are some groups that are more spectacular than others. These usually coincide with large cities, but this is not always the case.
Here we leave one selection of the six most traditional from the country.
Madrid
The procession leaves at 6:30 p.m. from the Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz and gradually goes down the Paseo de la Castellana to the Plaza de Cibeles, where the Three Wise Men address the public at 8:45 p.m. The Madrid City Council is expected to enable stands along the route with capacity for more than 8,100 people. Access will be free, until capacity is reached, and priority will be given to hospitalized children, minors in foster care, people with disabilities and third sector social action associations.
Barcelona
The Three Kings Parade in Barcelona you will not go through the main streets of the center of the city in its next edition of 2023. Unlike other years, the route will not pass through points such as Via Laietana, Plaza de Urquinaona, Catalunya or Universitat. The reason for this change are the works that are being carried out, precisely, on Via Laietana, and which are causing various effects on traffic. But this is not the only novelty. In the Parade of 2023, candy toss will be recovered, canceled in recent editions due to the pandemic. In total, it is expected that a total of seven tons of sweets will be distributed.
Alcoy (Alicante)
Its celebration has been carried out continuously since 1885, although its documentary background dates back to 1866. It is, without a doubt, one of the oldest Three Kings Parade held in Spain and, possibly, in the world. In November 2001, the Three Kings Parade in Alcoy deserved the declaration of Festival of National Tourist Interest. It starts at 18:00. from the upper area of the town, it begins at the beginning of Elche avenue and runs through the streets of El Camí, Sant Nicolau and Plaza de España where it makes a parenthesis in the route to carry out Adoration. Once finished, after eight in the evening, and after the fireworks display, the procession continues its route through Sant Llorenç, and ends around 10:00 p.m. at the end of Avenida del País Valencià.
gijon
As tradition dictates, Their Majesties Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, together with HRH Prince Aliatar will arrive in Gijón on January 5, 2023. And they will to the marina of the city during at 11:00 a.m. The procession will leave at 6:00 p.m. and at approximately 9:00 p.m., Their Majesties will offer a speech from the balcony of the Town Hall.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma is preparing for the arrival of Their Majesties, who will disembark this Thursday, January 5, at the Moll Vell at 6:00 p.m. From there the Parade will start, which will go through the main streets of the city and will have the participation of about 350 people. This year there are thirteen compositions that have been prepared to entertain the King and Queen, whose staging is given these days the last touches in the Son Fusteret workshop, with the world of toys as the main theme.
Málaga
On January 5th, the majestic parade of SSMM The Three Kings of the East will preside the most central streets from the city. It is a unique moment in which, on the one hand, the little ones will enjoy the show, their floats and the collection of sweets. On the other hand, the older ones will experience an intense journey to their childhood to feel the magic of Christmas again. At 5:30 p.m. on the 5th, the Three Wise Men arrive at Malaga City Hall and, at 6:00 p.m., they begin their journey accompanied by a unique parade. In the Plaza del Obispo the traditional offering of Their Majesties the Magi to the Child Jesus takes place.
