Do you remember the story from the Bible in which the three wise men brought presents to the newborn child? That is celebrated in Spain as the three kings march around the city of Madrid on January 5th. And guess what, on January 6th, presents are handed out, much like others are used to on December 24th or December 25th elsewhere in the world.
In the Netherlands, Santa Claus comes to the country on a boat from Spain on the first Saturday after November 11. In Hungary, Santa Claus visits houses and puts candy and other presents in the newly washed shoes on December 6th. In Spain, the big event is the arrival of the three wise men on January 5th followed by presents on January 6.
If you happen to be in Madrid on January 5, you should definitely look out for the parade which starts around 18:30 and lasts until 21:00.
The parade normally moves along the following route.
Paseo de la Castellana (Nuevos Ministerios corner of Plaza San Juan de la Cruz) – Paseo de la Castellana – Plaza del Doctor Gregorio Marañón – Paseo de la Castellana – Glorieta de Emilio Castelar – Paseo de la Castellana – Plaza de Colón – Paseo de Recoletos – Plaza de Cibeles (End of Parade).
Three Kings Parade
Date: January 5
This event also takes place elsewhere in Spain, meaning you can see similar parades in, for example, the city of Barcelona.
Would you like to read about the Christmas markets in Madrid? Or are you looking for information about upcoming concerts or running competitions in Madrid? You can find this and much more in our Madrid calendar.
