Spain's Christmas season does not end on December 25. It lasts until January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, known in Spain as Día de los Reyes Magos — the Day of the Three Kings. For many Spanish families, this is the day of the biggest presents, brought by the Kings Melchior, Caspar (Gaspar) and Balthazar. In 2027, January 6 falls on a Wednesday.
The Story Behind the Day
The Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi, the 'wise men from the East' described in the Gospel of Matthew, who followed a star to Bethlehem and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the infant Jesus. Christian tradition later described them as three kings and gave them the names Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar. January 6 is the twelfth day after Christmas.
January 5: The Cabalgata de Reyes
On the evening of January 5, towns and cities across Spain hold a Cabalgata de Reyes, a parade in which the Three Kings ride through the streets on floats, throwing sweets to the crowds. The first formally organised cabalgata is generally said to have taken place in Alcoy, in the province of Alicante, in 1866. Today the parades in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia draw huge crowds, and Madrid's is broadcast on national television.
That night, children leave their shoes out — often with water or snacks for the Kings' camels — and go to bed early. In the morning, the presents have arrived.
Roscón de Reyes
The signature food of the day is the roscón de reyes, a ring-shaped sweet bread decorated with candied fruit, which is often said to represent the jewels on the Kings' crowns. Two small objects are hidden inside: a figure of a king and a dried bean. Whoever finds the figure is 'crowned' with the paper crown that comes with the cake; whoever finds the bean is traditionally expected to pay for next year's roscón. Bakeries across Spain sell them in the days around January 6, and many are filled with whipped cream.
Three Kings Day Beyond Spain
The Epiphany is celebrated in many countries. In Mexico, families gather to share a rosca de reyes, and whoever finds the figure of the baby Jesus hidden inside is traditionally expected to host a gathering with tamales on February 2, Candelaria. Three Kings Day is also widely celebrated in Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries, and in parts of Europe children dressed as the Kings go door to door singing.
Travel tip: January 6 is a public holiday in Spain, and many shops close. The January 5 parades are free but extremely crowded — arrive early for a good spot, and check the city council's website for the route and start time. The day after, January 7, is the start of Spain's winter sales (rebajas).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Three Kings Day 2027?
Wednesday, January 6, 2027. The Cabalgata de Reyes parades take place on the evening of Tuesday, January 5.
Is January 6 a holiday in Spain?
Yes. Epiphany is a national public holiday in Spain.
What is hidden inside a roscón de reyes?
Traditionally a small king figure and a dried bean. Finding the king makes you king for the day; finding the bean means you pay for next year's roscón.
Travel Guides Finder Editorial Team
Editorial Team
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