Seville is known for many things, such as sunshine, tapas and flamenco. However, in January the city feels different. From the beginning of the month, Seville turns into a fairytale. On the 5th and 6th of January, the city celebrates Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day), one of the most beloved traditions in Spain. The streets are filled with music, beautiful parade floats and thousands of spectators. A stunning parade moves through the city, while sweets are thrown from the floats into the crowd. It is a tradition that everyone should experience at least once.
Why and how is Three Kings Day celebrated?
Día de los Reyes Magos is just as important as Christmas in Spain. The celebration commemorates the three kings: Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, who brought gifts to the newborn baby Jesus. In Seville, this day is celebrated with a large parade featuring floats, music and people throwing sweets to children. This parade is called the Cabalgata de Reyes. In the evening, children place their shoes by the door, hoping the Three Kings will visit during the night and leave a present inside. On the 6th of January, families come together to celebrate with gifts, music and delicious food, including the traditional Roscón de Reyes.
The different parades throughout the city
During Three Kings Day, there is not just one parade, but several throughout the city. The largest and most famous one is the Cabalgata de Reyes Magos, which passes through the city centre and attracts thousands of visitors every year. In addition, many neighbourhoods organise their own parades. These are smaller and quieter, but just as festive and cosy. Along the routes, families gather and children carry bags to collect the sweets thrown from the floats.
The organisation and the role of brotherhoods
Behind the magic of Three Kings Day lies a large and impressive organisation. The parades are made possible by the city council, volunteers and various brotherhoods (hermandades), which play an important role in many Andalusian traditions. They are responsible for preparing the floats, costumes and ensuring the routes run smoothly. Planning and preparation take months to make sure everything is perfectly organised. It is not just a celebration for children, but a deeply rooted tradition.
Three Kings Day in the villages around Seville
Three Kings Day is not only celebrated in the city itself, but also in the villages surrounding Seville. These villages often organise their own parades, with strong involvement from the local community. They may be smaller, but that makes them more personal and intimate. Three Kings Day is a celebration that is truly observed everywhere — a tradition that brings people together.
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