We Three Kings …...

Wednesday, 04 January 2012 11:45

Written by Editor

There are thousands of fiestas every year in Andalucia but tomorrow and Friday are very special days for children. Just when most people in the UK are winding down from the festivities of Christmas and New Year, here in Spain excitement is mounting yet again because January 6th is la fiesta de los Reyes. The Kings are, of course, the Three Wise Men from the East and they come bearing presents, just like Santa Claus. They don't slip secretively down the chimney (though they can be seen climbing up ladders), they take part in a colourful and noisy procession in every town and village.  And they arrive in a variety of transport – no ships of the desert for the Malaga Kings, they come into the port from the sea, while the Fuengirola Kings descend by helicopter.

The Grandiosa Cabalgata de Sus Majestades, los Reyes Magos de Oriente takes place on the eve of Epiphany, January 5th when three specially chosen townsfolk dress up in  splendid robes as Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar (the first two with flowing white beards, the third with a black face).  Special floats carry the Kings and as they pass by they throw sweets for the hundreds of excited children lining the streets (be prepared to duck, a flying boiled sweet can hurt!) who scurry around with plastic bags for their booty.

One of the largest processions is in Malaga itself and begins at 17.00 hours at the Town Hall, taking in most of the main streets and finishing in the same place, after which the Kings will make an offering on the steps of the Cathedral and there will be a concert.

In Fuengirola this year there will be 23 floats accompanied by musicians and drummers as they make their way from the market on the Avda de Los Boliches and process round the town, finishing in Calle Mallorca.

And after the excitement of the evening there is a public holiday on Friday – another chance to have a day of family celebrations.  This is when you eat the Roscón de Reyes, the circular Three Kings’ Cake with its colourful topping, hiding inside is a paper crown which makes the recipient king or queen for the day. 

Spain certainly knows how to party over the Christmas season, and next month there is Carnival to keep the spirits up during the winter months!

By Jean Joss