Magical Three Kings Parades Ignite Joy on Spain’s Chilly Streets
The Three Kings Parades in Spain bring immense joy, even amid chilly weather. On January 5, 2026, children across the country eagerly awaited the arrival of the three wise men, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar. The Madrid parade, which faced freezing temperatures, was a highlight, with many children calling out for gifts amidst the excitement.
Highlights from the Parades
Throughout Spain, celebrations took place despite cold conditions caused by storm Francis. In cities like Totana and Vera, some parades were rescheduled to avoid adverse weather. Reports indicated several towns, including Tomares, Mairena del Aljarafe, and San Juan de Aznalfarache, canceled their events due to rain.
- Date of Celebrations: January 5, 2026
- Key Cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Tomares, Logroño, Pamplona, Vitoria
- Weather Conditions: Temperatures hovering around 0 degrees Celsius
Memorable Moments in Madrid
Madrid hosted an extravagant parade featuring 2,100 participants, including 250 royal pages. The event included 15 floats powered by renewable energy and distributed around 1,200 kilograms of candy to delighted children. The parade lasted for three joyful hours, with a catchy tune sung by the versatile Cartero Escoba, who gathered letters from children.
The theme for this year’s event was “El saber compartido” (Shared Knowledge), emphasizing the importance of education and knowledge among children. A retired teacher spoke on camera, expressing appreciation for the tribute to educators as vital influencers in children’s lives.
Celebrations Across Other Cities
Barcelona welcomed the kings by sea aboard the traditional vessel Las Golondrinas. The vibrant event attracted around 600,000 spectators, with 37 choreographies performed by various groups. Children eagerly shared their wish lists, filled with items like sports gear and video games.
| City | Mode of Arrival | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Logroño | Helicopter | Over 14,000 attendees at the stadium |
| Vitoria | Train | Greetings from the balcony of the Town Hall |
| Pamplona | Dromedaries | Mayor welcomed the kings at the Consistorial square |
Television Broadcast and Engagement
For 61 years, the annual parade has been broadcast live on TVE, showcasing the magic of this holiday tradition to eager viewers. With over 25 cameras capturing the event, it brought the excitement into homes throughout the country. Notable presenters this year were Javier Hoyos and Ana Prada.
Despite the chilly conditions, the spirit of giving remained strong. The three kings maintained their legendary role, ensuring no child would be left without a gift. The joyful enthusiasm in the streets proved that the Three Kings Parades continue to be a cherished Spanish tradition, igniting happiness and excitement among children and families alike.
