What is a Cabalgata?

If you are visiting Spain on the 5th January and suddenly the roads in the city centre are cut off and lots of children appear you have probably run into the cabalgata.  This is what it is.

What is a Cabalgata de Reyes Magos?

Cabalgata de Reyes Magos, or the Parade of the Three Wise Men, is an annual celebration held in Spain on the 5th of January and other Hispanic countries to commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men, or Magi, to the birthplace of Jesus. The parade features a procession of floats and historical figures, such as the Three Wise Men, that parade through the streets of the city. The parade typically includes a variety of traditional sweets and snacks that are given to children along the route. It usually entails large quantities sweets being thrown from lorries to the children.

It is celebrated every January 5 (the day preceding the feast of Epiphany) in the evening. In Spain, after greeting the kings at the cavalcade in town, children are supposed to go home and go to bed early. They clean and put out their shoes, and the following morning, find the gifts of the Magi, which they requested in a letter, in and around their shoes. Paper cut-outs are usually also put out to adorn the scene, and the children usually put out cookies and some brandy or other drink for the kings to sit and enjoy themselves for a moment before moving on to the next house, and a bucket of water for their camels. According to this tradition, the children who have behaved badly during the previous year receive coal rather than candy, though (as in the case of Santa Claus) this is not a frequent occurrence. They might get coal candy, though.


Who are the Three Wise Men?

The Three Wise Men, also known as the Magi, are traditionally believed to have been members of a priestly caste from ancient Persia. They are referred to in the Bible as giving gifts to the newborn Jesus. Their names are often given as Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.

 

Places to get guided tours and tickets for the Alhambra

Suppliers	Description
Misreservas	Buy tickets for the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces
Civitatis	Civitatis Alhambra Tickets
Tiqets	Buy tickets for the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces

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Last Modified on March 10th, 2024
Created on February 6th, 2020
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