About the Parade of the Kings of the Orient

The Three Kings Festival is Spain`s twist on Christmas`s traditional gift-giver, Santa Clause. Each year children stand queued outside the El Corte Ingles store in the weeks before the festival day to hand their letters to the three wise kings, the equivalent of mailing a letter to Santa. The three kings, Melchor, Gasper and Balthazar arrive at Malaga`s port on the 5th of January and are greeted by the Mayor and floods of spectators, especially children, in the Dia de Reyes celebrations. The kings then make their way to their floats and set off in a colorful and music filled procession through the center of Malaga from the Paseo del parquet to the Town Hall, throwing out hundreds of little toys and sweets into the crowd as they make their way.At the end of the day is a fiesta, organized by the main post office, and includes a number of entertainers, singers and illusionists

When is the Parade of the Kings of the Orient held?

The parade is held on the 5th of January annually.
The day of Epihany, when the children receive their presents, is on the 6th of January.

Where does it take place?

The festival takes place all over Spain but Malaga is a popular spot for travelers too experience the celebrations.

Do you have to pay?

Participation in the festival and celebrations are open to all and free of charge.

Tips

If you want to catch the beginning of the Dia de Reyes you need to be parked and in place at the port by 5pm.
It is customary to give each other gifts on January 6th and during the festival time shops are open for late night shopping.