In Spain, Christmas does not truly end until January 6th, when people celebrate Three Kings Day (Día de Los Reyes). This Spanish holiday honors the arrival of the three wise men Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar who brought gifts to baby Jesus. Full of history and tradition, this celebration is one of the most important and magical times of the year in Spain.
What Is Día de Los Reyes?
Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, is a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6th, marking the end of the Christmas season. It commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men, who followed a star to Bethlehem and brought gifts to baby Jesus.
Observed in many cultures, especially in Spain and Latin America, this day symbolizes generosity and sharing. Traditions include exchanging gifts, special meals, and parades. In some places, children leave out shoes for small presents. Three Kings Day extends the festive spirit into the new year, emphasizing faith, kindness, and giving.
Why do people celebrate it?
For many Spaniards, Three Kings Day is even more important than Christmas itself. The holiday reflects Spain’s religious roots and long-standing traditions, bringing families and communities together.
On the night of January 5th, children leave their shoes out with hay or treats for the camels of the wise men. In the morning, they wake up to find gifts and sweets, much like the baby Jesus received treasures from the Three wise men. This tradition keeps the magic of Christmas alive for children and is a highlight of the season.
How Is this Spanish holiday celebrated?
- Parades and ceremony
One of the most exciting parts of the holiday is the Cabalgatas de Reyes, the grand parades held on January 5th. These parades light up towns and cities with colorful lights, dancers, music, and actors dressed as the three kings. - As the kings make their way through the streets, they throw sweets and small gifts to the crowds, creating a fun and festive atmosphere. In cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, the parades are especially big and impressive, but smaller towns also celebrate with great enthusiasm.
- Special Foods and Traditions
Another important part of the day is enjoying the Rosca de Reyes, a traditional sweet bread shaped like a crown and decorated with candied fruits. Inside the bread, small surprises are hidden: a figurine of a king and a dry bean. The person who finds the king in their slice is crowned “king” for the day, while the one who gets the bean has to buy the next year’s cake.
Families come together to share this dessert, exchange gifts, and spend time together
What I think about Three Kings Day Spain
I think Three Kings Day is a beautiful tradition that shows the importance of family, giving, and celebrating together. The colorful parades and traditions like the Rosca de Reyes make the holiday feel special and unique.
I also love how the holiday keeps the festive spirit alive after Christmas. It is not just about gifts but about creating happy moments with loved ones and enjoying the magic of the season.
Explore the city and its traditions
Tour Me Out offers exciting walking and biking tours, perfect for discovering a city’s hidden gems while immersing yourself in its history and culture. Whether strolling through charming streets or cycling past iconic landmarks, these tours provide a fun and engaging way to explore.
For those celebrating Three Kings Day, a special holiday-themed tour can add to the festive experience, showcasing local traditions, historic sites, and cultural highlights. With knowledgeable guides bringing stories to life, Tour Me Out ensures an unforgettable adventure, making every journey both entertaining and insightful.
