Three Kings Day in Marbella, Spain.
One of the most significant celebrations during Christmas in Marbella is the Day of the Three Kings known in Spanish as a “Cabalgata de Reyes“. This street parade on the evening of the 5th of January is accompanied by numerous traditions and family-oriented activities, particularly for children. Marbella actively participates in the festivities through a program of events organized by the town hall during the final days of the Christmas holiday.
What means the Three Kings Day?
Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, commemorates the moment when the three wise men (Balthazar, Caspar and Melchior in Bethlehem) first beheld the infant Jesus. In Spain, this occasion is marked by the tradition of children receiving their Christmas gifts. On the eve of this holiday, children place their shoes outside in anticipation of a visit from the wise men. Upon awakening the following morning, they discover that the Kings have left presents both inside and around their shoes.
A big welcome for the Three Kings parade in Marbella
The renowned Three Kings Parade occurs on the evening of January 5th, transforming the streets into a vibrant spectacle filled with color and happiness, as gifts and sweets are distributed. The procession traverses various avenues of the city, making it an essential event to witness. Marbella is also participating in the festivities by offering a variety of activities organized by the Marbella Town Hall for the benefit of our community.
As they come bearing gifts the Spanish naturally think it is only right to give the Three Kings a big welcome the night before, so on January 5th young and old—whole families together—take to the streets in cities, towns and villages in every corner of Spain to view the procession of the kings as they make their much anticipated entrance.
The Three Kings make their entrance by boat at the Puerto Deportivo on January 5th around noon, where they are welcomed by the mayor of Marbella. Following this, they parade through the streets of Marbella in open-top vehicles, ultimately arriving at the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) located in the historic district. During this festive occasion, the kings distribute sweets to the children gathered to witness the event. Given the large turnout, it is advisable for attendees to arrive in the old town early in the morning to secure a good viewing spot. Later that evening, at 6 PM, a themed procession takes place along the main thoroughfare, Avenida Ricardo Soriano, with streets closed off to facilitate families coming together to celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings.
This takes the form of a parade, with the Three Kings either ensconced on thrones borne by floats or riding on horseback whilst throwing sweets to the crowds that line the streets. This often leads to a scramble as youngsters (and sometimes their grannies too) rush to snatch up the treats.
It is a fun evening out, one that reflects the fun-loving nature, family values and respect for tradition of the Spanish people, an event that is well worth a visit to get a true taste of Spain—and a handful of sweets too!
* Three Kings parade could be bring forward to January 4th due to rain forecast.
On January 6th, a national holiday and last day of Christmas, Spanish families celebrate by opening gifts delivered by the Three Kings and enjoying the renowned “Roscón de Reyes”. The Roscón de Reyes is a circular cake featuring a sweet, creamy filling and topped with candied fruit, resembling a jeweled crown. Inside, it conceals a small surprise along with a bean. This tradition is particularly thrilling, as the individual who discovers the surprise in their slice is believed to enjoy good fortune for the entire year and is entitled to wear the king’s crown, while the person who finds the bean is responsible for purchasing the Roscón the following year.
And what better present that buying a home in Marbella? LuxuryForSale.Properties wishes you a Happy Three Kings Day!