The Three Kings Day is January 6th. It is known as the day when kids get to open their presents and Spaniards enjoy Roscon de Reyes. Usually on the 5th kids write letters to the kings with all the gifts they wish to receive.
The Christian Bible says that three kings or wise man (Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar) brought baby Jesus gifts, who was just born. They followed a star that would take them to him. They offered three gifts: gold, incense, and myrrh. It is said that they arrive in Spain on the 5th which is when the parades take place. This parades also known as cabalgatas are very anticipated by Spaniards especially the kids.
During the parade…
Candy and sweets get tossed during the parade. Don’t forget to bring your bag to collect all the goodies.
After the parade…
Kids rush home take their shoes off and leave them by the door. This is where they will expect to see their gifts when they wake up the next morning. Families leave milk or water at the door as well. Kids check in the morning to see if these were drank, if they were drank then it means that the three kings recovered there straight to head back home.
Another big tradition is for families to enjoy Roscon de Reyes. Roscon de Reyes is a cake in a shape of a ring decorated with dried fruits and nuts. We will have to try it next year, you can find it at any bakery or grocery store.
Spaniards know they are saying goodbye to Christmas once gifts are open and Roscon de Reyes has been enjoyed!
We got the opportunity to experience out first cabalgata this year. Several people had told us about these and to not miss it. In Malaga the start time was 6pm on the 5th. We arrived around 4:30pm, grabbed some gelato and walked around. Around 5pm we decided to grab a spot, we had anticipated for it to get crowded around downtown. To be honest I don’t think we will be going again, as least won’t be arriving early or getting a spot. From afar you can still enjoy it if you don’t care about the sweets. The closer you get the more pushing you are going to get lol. That part wasn’t enjoyable for us, especially because the parade didn’t end up starting until around 7pm.
This is just one of many fun traditions that take place in Spain. They have their pros and cons but if you are living in Spain it is something you have to enjoy at least once. If you one day get to visit one, let me know you experience!
Talk soon,
Alannah
