Three Kings Day in Spain

The feast of the Three Magic Kings in Spain is widely celebrated. Children especially love this holiday because on this day they receive gifts, and parents arrange a festive feast with a pie that has a surprise hidden inside.

The Day of the Three Kings (Día de los Reyes Magos) or the Cavalcade of the Magi (Cabalgata de Reyes Magos) in Spain is a magical time. It takes place from January 5th to 6th and represents the arrival of the three biblical Magi — Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar — to the newborn Jesus. For many Spaniards, the Day of the Three Kings is more important than Christmas!

On January 5th in the afternoon, the Cavalcade of the Magi (Cabalgata de Reyes Magos) begins — a grand parade where the kings move through the city on lavishly decorated floats, throwing candies and small gifts. Joyful children and adults gather in the streets to catch sweets and greet the kings.

In the evening, homes are filled with excitement and laughter: families gather to share the traditional roscón de reyes — a round fruit cake symbolizing the crown. A small surprise is usually hidden inside!

Gifts are opened on this evening, not on Christmas. Parents tell children that the Magi themselves brought them. According to tradition, children should leave their shoes by the fireplace or window so the kings know where to put the gifts. Some children also leave water and food for the camels.

Día de los Reyes Magos is not just about fun and gifts, but also a time to be with family, enjoy a meal, and share the joy of the holiday. The true spirit of this day lies in celebrating together, gratitude, and the wonder brought by these magical visitors.

History of the holiday

The historical context of the Three Kings Day celebration originates from the biblical story of the three wise men who came to worship the newborn Jesus. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the wise men, or magi, followed a star to find and honor the «newborn king of the Jews». They brought gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These three gifts have symbolic meaning — gold as a symbol of royal power, frankincense as a symbol of divinity, and myrrh as a harbinger of suffering and death.

In Spain, the celebration of Día de los Reyes Magos became particularly popular and has deep roots going back to the Middle Ages. The holiday gained widespread popularity in the country due to the strong influence of the Catholic Church, which played a key role in preserving and spreading Christian traditions in Spain.

The story of the three wise men

The three wise men are called Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar (Melchor, Gaspar y Baltasar). Their names are not mentioned in the Bible. They only appeared in the 8th century.

Melchior — an old man with a snow-white beard, representing Europe. He brought gold, symbolizing Jesus’ royal dignity. This gift affirms Jesus as the king of kings.

Gaspar – a young man from Asia. He brought frankincense, a gift symbolizing Jesus’ divinity. Frankincense was traditionally used in religious rituals as a symbol of prayer rising to the heavens.

Balthazar is often portrayed as an African or Arab king. He gifted myrrh, foretelling suffering. Myrrh symbolizes Jesus’ human nature and predicts his suffering and death.

The story of the wise men who came to worship the newborn Messiah is full of symbolism and deep meaning. They represent wisdom, worship, and prophecy. With their gifts, the wise men show that Jesus is recognized as king, god, and man. This is perhaps the most magical part of the Christmas story, which still inspires and amazes with its mystery and beauty.

About the gifts

"Почтовый ящик для писем для трёх волхвов" - "Mailbox for letters to the Three Wise Men"
Mailbox for letters to the three wise men

First, children write letters to the three wise men, then throw them into special mailboxes in their city.

Traditionally, on the night of January 6th, children leave their shoes by the fireplace or window, waiting for gifts from the wise men. If a child has been good, they will receive gifts, and if not – coal. But not ordinary coal, rather sweet coal made from sugar, colored icing, and food coloring.

Roscón de Reyes

And, of course, let’s not forget about the festive dishes! The centerpiece is Roscón de Reyes, a round cake with glazed fruits, reminiscent of a royal crown. A small surprise is hidden inside, and whoever gets the piece with the surprise will be considered the king or queen of the day. The table also necessarily features various meat and fish dishes, traditional Spanish appetizers and sweets – what kind of celebration would it be without them?

This is how Día de los Reyes Magos is celebrated in Spain – with family gatherings, delicious food, beautiful outfits, merry jokes, and gifts. This day is filled with magic and joy. It unites adults and children in anticipation of a miracle.

Mihail Schwarz
Mihail Schwarz
Статей: 1924

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