Día de Reyes, also known as Three Kings, is one of the most excithing days for children. Children are looking forward to this celebration all year; it’s even bigger than Christmas! There are many activities around this festive day: a parade, huge sales and a lot of sweet food. It will be celebrated on January 5th and January 6th.
Once upon a time… three wise men followed a star
January 6th marks the arrival of the ‘Reyes Magos’: Caspar, Balthazar and Melchior. Guided by a shining star, these wise men travelled to Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn Jesus, who they believed was the King of the Jews.
Though the Bible never specifies that there were exactly three, the number is based on the three symbolic gifts. In Spain and other Mediterranean countries, this story comes to life in dazzling parades,complete with camels, horses, and royal costumes, echoing the journey from the East.
How do people celebrate Día de Reyes?
The magic kicks off on the evening of January 5th, when the Three Kings return to Spain. Valencia hosts a grand ‘cabalgata’ (parade) where the Reyes ride through the city on elaborate floats or sometimes even real camels, waving to crowds and tossing candy and small gifts to excited children.
While the parade is aimed at kids, adults love it too, because it has all the festive sparkle with a Mediterranean twist.
In the weeks leading up to January 6th, children write wish lists to the ‘Reyes Magos,’ asking for their favourite toys. After the parade, they leave water and carrots under the Christmas tree for the kings’ camels, along with sweets and milk for the royal guests.
If they’ve been good? Gifts await under the tree the next morning, because January 6th is a national holiday in Spain, but if not? They might find a playful surprise: a lump of sugar coal called carbón. But don’t worry, it’s usually sweet and symbolic.
Route: Paseo de la Alameda – Calle de la Paz – Plaza de la Reina – Calle San Vicente -Plaza Ayuntamiento
Date: 5th of January
Time: 18.00 hour the parade will start, at 16.30 the wise men will arrive in the harbour of Valencia.
Roscón de Reyes
The traditional sweet food during Reyes is called ‘Roscón de Reyes’. It’s a cake filled with cream and dried fruit on top. Inside the cake one can find a figure and a bean: if you find the figure in the cake you will be crowned king. If you find the bean in the cake you will have to pay for next year’s Roscon. A golden crown is the gift that children receive who found the figure in the cake and that become king. Often this ritual is being held in the morning, a long with the breakfast. Afterwards presents are being unpacked!