✨ What makes it special
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Largest parade of the Christmas season (bigger than New Year's Eve). Three Kings (Melchior, Gaspar, Balthazar) arrive by boat (in
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ride through streets on elaborate floats (carrozas)
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throw candy (caramelos, dulces, piruletas—lollipops) and small toys to children lining streets. Tradition: children write letters
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Santa Claus (Papá Noel) is modern US import but Reyes is still primary gift-giver). Shoes left out night of January 5 (window or d
📷 Photos
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Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings' Parade) — main event
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Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings' Parade) — atmosphere
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Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings' Parade) — crowd
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Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings' Parade) — detail
Photos coming soon
📅 Calendar of events
10:00
Morning programme
Check official festival programme — unique festivals vary enormously.
12:00
Main midday event
Centrepiece event — Spanish festival tradition.
17:00
Afternoon activities
Family events, craft markets, traditional games.
21:00
Evening concert
Free outdoor concerts — often world-class acts in extraordinary settings.
00:00
Midnight celebrations
Spanish festivals don't end at 10pm. Midnight fireworks are often the highlight.
Times approximate. Check official programme.
👁 Where to watch
📍Main event area (Free)
Arrive early for best positions. Dedicated local following.
🏘Neighbourhood events
Smaller local versions are often more authentic than the main event.
☕Ask locals in bars
Best view tip always comes from the barman.
🌙Evening events
Almost always the most spectacular. Don't leave after the afternoon.
📖 Full description
Largest parade of the Christmas season (bigger than New Year's Eve). Three Kings (Melchior, Gaspar, Balthazar) arrive by boat (in coastal cities like Barcelona, Málaga, Alicante) on January 5 evening; ride through streets on elaborate floats (carrozas); throw candy (caramelos, dulces, piruletas—lollipops) and small toys to children lining streets. Tradition: children write letters to Reyes Magos (not Santa Claus—Reyes bring gifts on January 6 morning; Santa Claus (Papá Noel) is modern US import but Reyes is still primary gift-giver). Shoes left out night of January 5 (window or door) for gifts; also leave bread and water for camels (camellos) and coffee or sherry for kings. Madrid parade: starts at Nuevos Ministerios (Paseo de la Castellana) at 6pm, ends at Plaza de Cibeles (Cibeles Fountain, Madrid City Hall) around 9pm; 1.5 million spectators; live broadcast on TVE (Spanish public television). Barcelona parade: kings arrive at Port Vell (old port) at 4:30pm, parade along Via Laietana to Plaça de Sant Jaume (City Hall). Children do NOT open gifts until morning of January 6 (Día de Reyes)—December 25 is for "Papá Noel" but families with young children often observe both (small gift Dec 25 from Santa, larger gift Jan 6 from Reyes). Hotels book months in advance along parade routes
✈️ How to get there
✈️By air
Sevilla Airport (SVQ) — 15min from centre. Direct from UK and Europe.
🚄By train
AVE from Madrid (2.5hr), Córdoba (45min), Málaga (2hr).
🚌By bus
ALSA from Madrid and Andalucía.
🚗By car
SE-30 ring road. Parking near centre is very difficult during Semana Santa.
🚇Getting around
Metro, buses, trams. Old town best on foot.
🎟 Tickets
Main events
Many unique festivals are completely free community events.
Additional events
Check municipal website for any ticketed enclosures.
⚠️ Important tip
Local tourist offices often have tickets not widely advertised online.
💡 Insider tips
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Bring your best camera
Extraordinarily photogenic in ways you won't anticipate.
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Learn a few words of Spanish
Warmly received and opens doors.
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Arrive earlier than you think
Early arrivals get the best positions.