On 5 January every year, the evening before Twelfth Night (Epiphany, 6 January) the Thee Kings (or Three Wise Men of the New Testament) arrive by boat at the waterfront of Barcelona (Moll de la Fusta) to be greeted by the Mayor of the city and conducted to the nearby park of Ciutadella. From there the Three Kings depart in their carriages, the principal part of a grand parade that proceeds slowly through the streets and avenues of the centre towards the Olympic Stadium. The Kings and other participants in the parade throw barley sugar sweets and other sweets to the children lining the route. There are many stalls along the way, especially along Gran Via. The days leading up to the parade allow the opportunity for children to inspect the Three Kings' boat and carriages, and to leave messages requesting gifts, which they (and adults, too) receive, traditionally, on 6 January.
This Cabalgata de Reyes is an old Spanish tradition and is celebrated in all the cities of Spain. While in most of the European countries celebrate Saint Klaus, we, in Spain, prefer to celebrate Los Reyes Magos (perhaps for being Spain a Monarchy). The Reyes Magos in Barcelona is wonderful and if you happen to be in this city do not miss it.
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