On the evening of January 5th every year, Spanish towns and cities are given over to the colourful parades of the Dia de los Reyes, or the Kings’ Day. The celebration of the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth. Mechanised floats bearing effigies of Melchior (Arabia), Caspar (the Orient) and Balthazar (Africa). As they pass, they throw out handfuls of sweets that rain down on the spectators gathered to watch their grand entry into the town.
Unfortunately this year the parades will not take place because of the restrictions for Covid-19. But many town halls found a creative solution to keep the tradition from ‘Los Reyes’ alive.
The first parade took place in 1876 in Alicante and thanks to the big success, it was expanding rapidly to other cities. In Andalucia the first parade was in 1917, and still today it’s a typical tradition throughout the province.
It is celebrated over two days, with colourful street parades and a delicious cake. The traditional cake is called the Roscon de Reyes, a circular sweet bread sprinkled with sugar and dried fruits. Embedded inside is a plastic little king or queen and whoever finds it the king/queen for the day. Hidden inside the cake is also a bean, the unfortunate recipient of which has to buy the Roscon the following year.
While in other countries is Santa Claus the one who brings gifts, in Andalucia it’s traditional The Three Kings, a special night for everybody.
Enjoy the tradition!
