In Spain, Reyes Magos (Three Kings) is the highlight of the festive season, even more significant than Christmas Day.
It commemorates the arrival of the three Wise Men (Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar) in Bethlehem to present gifts to baby Jesus. Here’s how it’s celebrated:
January 5th: The Eve of Reyes
- Parades (Cabalgatas):
Festivities kick off on January 5th with grand parades held in cities and towns across Spain. The Three Kings arrive in elaborate floats, tossing candies to children and spreading holiday cheer. In some smaller villages, the Kings may arrive by boat, horseback, or even tractor! - Last-minute Letters:
Children give their wish lists to the Kings or their royal pages during the parades, hoping for their desired gifts. - Preparation for the Kings:
Families often leave out snacks for the Kings and water for their camels before going to bed.
On January 5th, Mallorca transforms into a spectacle of glitz and tradition for the Cabalgata de Reyes (arrival & parade of the Three Kings), one of the most beloved events of the year. This vibrant celebration marks the eve of the Epiphany, when children across the island eagerly await the arrival of their gifts.
✨ Island-Wide Celebrations
At dusk, the story of the Three Wise Men – Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar – comes to life with parades across Mallorca. Their Majesties arrive in grand style, whether by boat, camel, horseback, or, in Sóller, aboard the iconic 100-year-old tram.
🎶 Music & Sweet Surprises: Parades feature royal pages, musicians, dancers, and drummers as the Kings distribute sweets to delighted crowds.
🌟 The Palma Procession: Palma hosts the island’s largest and most spectacular parade:
- 🚢 Arrival by Sea: The Kings make their grand entrance by boat, docking opposite La Lonja in the old town.
- 🎡 A 3 km Parade: A dazzling procession winds through Palma’s streets with floats, music, performers, and beautifully costumed participants, covering a two-hour journey: After they disembark at Marina Moll Vell and an official welcome by the local authorities, the parade leads towards El Born, Carrer Unió, La Rambla and back via Passeig Mallorca and Jaume III. The Cabalgata in Palma finishes at the town hall where the Holy Kings will greet the audience on Plaça Cort.
- 🏛️ Royal Finale: The Kings ascend the balcony of the Plaza Cort Town Hall, waving to the excited crowds below.
Tips for Enjoying the Three Kings Parade in Palma:
- Plan Ahead: Decide where you want to watch the parade before leaving home. The procession passes through Palma’s main streets, so there are many viewing spots to choose from.
- Transport Options: Consider using public transport (train or bus) to avoid the heavy traffic after the event. If you prefer driving, park in a public lot near your chosen spot and leave early to beat the post-event congestion.
- Arrive Early: For seasoned attendees, arriving at least 30 minutes in advance is a must. The parade attracts thousands, and arriving right at 6 PM, when the Kings dock at Moll Vell, can be risky if you want a good spot.
- Find a Comfortable Spot: Arrive with enough time to walk leisurely to your preferred viewing location and settle in before the crowd thickens.
- Safety First: Stay behind the safety barriers and ensure children do not get too close to the floats while collecting candies or other items, as this can be dangerous.
- Candy Collection: Instead of using an open umbrella to catch candies, which can be inconvenient for others, bring a plastic bag for kids to store their treats – or coal if they’re less lucky!
Enjoy a magical evening while staying safe and organized!
January 6th: Día de los Reyes Magos
- Roscón de Reyes:
The day wouldn’t be complete without enjoying Roscón de Reyes, a sweet, ring-shaped bread decorated with candied fruits to resemble a crown. Hidden inside are a small figurine (representing the King) and a dried bean. Whoever finds the figurine is “King” or “Queen” for the day, while the unlucky bean-finder usually has to buy the Roscón next year. - Gift Giving:
On the morning of January 6th, children wake up to find gifts left by the Kings. Naughty children may receive a lump of coal (often made of sugar!). - Family Gatherings:
Families gather for festive meals, often featuring traditional Spanish dishes and desserts.
The Festival of Los Tres Reyes is a must-see event that enchants visitors of all ages, capturing the heart of Mallorca’s festive spirit. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening!
Smaller towns and villages also host their own parades and all our favourites are listed here.
