The Three Kings in Spain: A Magical Tradition
21.12.2024In Spain, the Three Kings Day is one of the most beloved holidays of the year. It is celebrated on January 6th and marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men, or the Three Kings, who, according to biblical history, visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. This festival is not only a religious event, but also a celebration of tradition, culture and magical moments. In this blog, we will take you through the history, customs and magic of the Three Kings in Spain.
Who were the Three Kings?
The Three Kings, also known as the Magi or the Magi, are figures mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. They are said to have brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the newborn Jesus. The names of the three wise men, traditionally called Gaspar, Melchior and Baltasar, are often associated with different parts of the world:
- Gaspar is often depicted as a young man of European descent and brought frankincense.
- Melchior, usually the oldest king, comes from Europe and brought gold.
- Baltasar is often portrayed as an African king and brought myrrh.
In Spain, these three figures are the stars of the January 6th celebration, and are received with great enthusiasm by young and old.
The Tradition of the Three Kings in Spain
In Spain, Día de Reyes is not just a holiday; it is a celebration of giving, magic and family. The evening before Día de Reyes – La Cabalgata de Reyes – is perhaps the most iconic moment of the festivities. In every major city and many towns, a parade takes place, where the three kings parade through the streets on beautiful floats, surrounded by dancers, musicians and colourful costumes. During this Cavalcade, the kings throw sweets and gifts to the crowd, which is a magical moment for children.
On January 6th itself, children in Spain wake up early to fill their shoes with hay or carrots for the three kings’ camels, in exchange for gifts. It is an age-old tradition that is reminiscent of Saint Nicholas Day, but with a different cultural touch. In the afternoon, family gatherings are often held, and Roscón de Reyes, a large festive cake, is eaten. This cake is filled with surprises: the one who finds the small figures is rewarded, but the one who finds the bean is given a symbolic task to organize the following year's festivities.
Why Are the Three Kings So Important in Spain?
The Three Kings are of great cultural importance in Spain, as they symbolize a time of hope, joy and magical moments. The festival not only marks the end of the Christmas season, but also the opportunity to give gifts, which makes it a special moment for children. Many people in Spain consider the Día de Reyes to be the most important moment for giving gifts, rather than Christmas.
Unlike many other countries, where Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus determines the gift-giving moment, in Spain the magic of the Three Kings is emphasized. This strengthens the sense of community, especially for children, who believe in the magic of the Three Wise Men granting their wishes.
Tips for Celebrating the Three Wise Men in Spain
Want to experience the Three Wise Men festival in Spain yourself? Here are some tips:
- Go to a Parade: If you are in Spain around January 5th, don’t miss the Cavalcade de Reyes in major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Seville. This is one of the highlights of the festivities.
- Enjoy the Roscón de Reyes: Try this traditional cake that is eaten in Spain during the festival. It is a delicious way to celebrate the family festival.
- Make Your Wishes: Children can leave their wish lists for the Three Wise Men or fill their shoes with gifts for the Wise Men. Don’t forget to leave a carrot for the camels!
- Learn the History: Take the time to learn more about the symbolism of the Three Wise Men. This can make the festival even more special, especially if you have children who believe in magic.
Conclusion
The Three Kings in Spain are more than just figures from a religious story – they are a living tradition that symbolizes the magic of giving, the wonder of the holidays, and the joy of togetherness. Whether you live in Spain or are just visiting, celebrating Día de Reyes is an experience not to be missed. The parades, the gifts, and the festive foods make this day one of the most special in the Spanish calendar.
It’s a time to make memories, pass on traditions, and embrace the magic of the holidays!