It is one of the most anticipated events for children, if not the most anticipated of the year. Every afternoon of January 5, or the morning of the 6th, depending on the case and each custom of each locality, young and old take to the streets to witness a truly magical moment. We refer to the procession of Their Majesties of the East, accompanied by a good number of friends and a lot of color. The Three Kings parade continues to excite even those who are older than they remember their childhood, appealing to the inner child that survives within them. But what is the Origin of the parade of the Magi? Keep reading.
The origin of the Parade of Kings
The parade of Kings wants to symbolize the trip that the Magi from the East undertook towards Bethlehem to meet and pay homage to the Child God. For this reason, the star always goes first, inaugurating the procession and giving way to the first of the kings, Melchor. Between king and king, always accompanied by his viziers, there are other cavalcades that are usually inspired by famous movies, characters of the year loved by children or local classics.
The procession throws sweets, usually candy and, from time to time, some small gift that can be very varied. From little books, to dolls, balls, whistles and the like, to please the little ones while they take advantage of the moment to live the magic of seeing their admired Three Kings in person.
It must be said that the Cabalgata de Reyes is very popular in Spain, although this does not mean that in other countries they do not also have an identical parade. But it is in Spain that the Cavalcade has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
The Three Kings parade took place in Alcoyin the year 1866 when the city of Alicante decides to encourage its countrymen with an event of these characteristics. However, that year was an exceptional event, that is to say, it did not last over time, but it took another couple of decades, until 1886, for the parade to acquire annual status, in 1885.
The parade of Kings in Spain
We have seen that the first parade of Kings was in Alicante and, specifically in Alcoy, but what about the rest of Spain? Well, for example in Granada, theater representations were being made based on the arrival and adoration of the magicians with the Child. In the year 1912, the tradition became more serious and, for charitable purposes, to help underprivileged children, it was decided to hold a parade. The purpose was raise toys.
A little later, in 1918 Seville joined. Logroño, Gijón, the Pyrenees, Pamplona, Higueras de l Sierra or Santillana del Mar did the same. Until the tradition spread throughout Spain. The difference is only the way of arriving from the Kings, because in some cases they do it by helicopter, as in Logroño; while in Gijón they arrive by sea and in the Pyrenees they do so by skiing.
The Three Wise Men are accompanied by pages, shepherds, camels, music bands and characters that are admired every year by the little ones.
The parade of Kings outside of Spain
Although the Spanish parades of Kings are considered a National Holiday and are very popular, this does not mean that they are not celebrated outside our country. There are many places where they do. And with a long tradition. For example, in the Czech Republic they have been doing it since 1930. While in Venezuela they have been doing it since 1959 and in Mexico since 1975.
Poland joined more recently, in 2008. Here the cavalcade parades on the Sunday closest to January 6. On the other hand, Gibraltar and Andorra also have their cavalcade.
The Parade of Kings of Alcoy
We have said that the procession of Kings of Alcoy, Alicante, is the pioneer. But here the coming of the magicians is a real big party that lasts for several weeks. In fact, on the Sunday before Twelfth Night, the well-known “Pastoretes” party. In this festivity, the shepherds are represented worshiping the Child God, with traditional dances. And people from outside come to the place to attend the show.
Shortly after, the second part of the party arrives. Is named “Burreta” party. And it consists of the Royal Emissary proclaiming that the Kings have arrived in the city and, on the way, he collects the children’s letters to deliver them to the Kings. Then the arrival of the Kings actually arrives, three of them in a row, presiding over a parade followed by the rest of the entourage. The fact that the pages use long stairs to approach the balconies of the children and collect their letters and good wishes stands out.
Once the parade is over, which is announced by the fireworks, the children can open their gifts. Thus ends the most important children’s party of the year. Endearing and historical where they exist.
It must be said that these are very old traditions, which never fail, unless there is a rainy season that makes the celebration unfeasible. Although it is true that, with the global pandemic situation due to Covid-19, social events have been restricted and even cancelled. And in recent years, the acts have been only virtual.
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