For many, New Yr’s Day 2023 marked the unhappy finish to our (considerably subdued) festivities, and the return to the every day grind… however not in Spain!
We Spaniards love the festive season a lot that the Christmas holidays all the time final till sixth January, after we have fun El día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day).
How do the Spanish have fun 3 Kings Day?
El día de los Reyes Magos is a financial institution vacation in Spain.
For us, is without doubt one of the most vital celebrations and a finest cherished custom in Spain, particularly for kids.
Why?
As a result of it’s all about enjoyable and presents! But this time, they arrive from the Three Kings, who’re mentioned to return into folks’s properties via the home windows on the evening of fifth January, leaving items for everybody to open the subsequent day.
To get presents, youngsters have to write down a letter addressed to the Three Kings, or simply to their favorite one: Melchoir, Caspar or Balthazar. Mine is Melchoir, palms down!
Kids begin writing their letters in December, with a listing of the presents they’d prefer to get on the morning of January sixth.
To make it possible for their letters attain the Three Kings, kids have handy it to one of many Three Kings’ royal messengers, discovered milling round all Spanish city and metropolis centres a couple of days earlier than the large day.
They’ll ask you ways you’ve behaved all year long. If you happen to’ve been good, you’ll get all of the presents you wished for in your letter, however if you happen to’ve been naughty, all you’ll get is a lump of coal (edible sweet coal, after all!).
So, who’re the three Kings?
Properly, the story goes that on the day Jesus was born, the Three Kings – often known as the Three Sensible Males – adopted a guiding star all the best way to Bethlehem to deliver him presents.
It’s mentioned that they arrived on January sixth, bringing items of gold, frankincense and myrrh (a spice) for the child Jesus.
The three Kings Parade
Celebrations may look slightly totally different in 2023, as Gran Canaria is presently at alert stage 3 – that means there are restrictions in place that forbid giant gatherings and occasions.
The celebrations often begin the day earlier than, on the eve of January fifth, with La Cabalgata de Reyes Magos (the Three Kings’ parade).
Individuals all over the place head to the streets to witness the arrival of the Three Kings, in carriages or on their camels, loaded with presents and accompanied by their helpers, who share sweets and goodies with everybody.
You’ll discover totally different parades throughout Spain, every one with its personal fashion. It’s an actual present of pleasure, gentle, color and music!
And the most effective bit?
Everybody takes half.
However, if it’s too chilly to be exterior, you possibly can all the time watch the Three Kings driving via the streets on TV from the consolation of your individual dwelling!
What occurs after the parade?
You may assume that the parade provides youngsters an ideal excuse to remain up all evening… however no such luck!
They really go to mattress early. Earlier than they fall asleep, kids put their sneakers by the window, prepared for the Three Kings to fill them with presents.
Properly, I say kids, however all of us – younger and outdated – should do it if we need to get presents!
It’s additionally frequent to go away food and drinks for the kings and their camels to get pleasure from after their lengthy journey. Then, on the morning of January sixth, we get up to seek out presents in or subsequent to our sneakers.
What do folks eat?
Households collect collectively for a feast that ends with el roscón de reyes (the King’s cake) for dessert.
The cake is adorned with purple and inexperienced candied fruit, which symbolises the rubies and emeralds the kings had on their cloaks.
It’s baked with a tiny reward and a bean inside. If you happen to get the slice that comprises the reward, you’ll be topped the king of the festivity, however if you happen to get the slice containing the bean you’ll must pay for the cake the next yr!
So now you understand how we have fun the story of the Three Kings in Spain – and if you happen to ever spend Christmas right here, you’ll know why you may not get your presents till January sixth. Simply be sure you bear in mind to go away your sneakers by the window!
¡Feliz Día de los Reyes!
Oh, and by the best way…
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