Los Reyes Magos “The Holy 3 Kings”
Dia de los Reyes Magos is the Spanish name for the celebration of the Three Kings. The parades and processions for the Feast of the Three Kings take place in Spain on the eve of January 6th. The tradition is based on Bible stories: the saints Three Kings Arrived in Bethlehem on the evening of January 5th to present their gifts – gold, incense and myrrh. So the children in Spain do not send their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus, but to the three kings. the “Cartero Real“, the royal postman accepts the desired mail to Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar at post offices or in department stores such as El Corte Inglés on the days before.
In the last year you could also www.correos.es Send his wishes to the “Cartero Real” and – what a surprise – there was even a reply. Technology makes it possible. The eve of the Epiphany is a foretaste of the next morning’s gifts. Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar ride the streets mostly on horses, but sometimes on real camels. Or they appear by carriage, boat or even on motorcycles, accompanied by spectacular parades with mountains of gift packages.
Christmas or carnival?
The saints are exuberant every year Three Kings also in Girona celebrated. We were there last year to experience the spectacle live.
It seemed a little to us when fell Christmas and carnival in one day. Everything that had legs was aimed at the park at the end of the Rambla below the city wall. Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar have been here for hours. Welcome to the Middle Ages! fire burned. It smelled of roasted chestnuts. Delicacies were sold at stands. Around us imaginatively costumed, horses, sheep and other animals. In addition, music – sometimes a bit loud and weird. juggler and magician. in between children whoCartero Real“Last wish lists into your hands. The jostling friendly and cheerful.
Then a train slowly formed from the market and jugglers. For hours, everyone involved will now move through the city center in traditional robes and throw sweets and confetti. This procession is accompanied by a chain of cars, which is becoming bigger and more imaginative every year. Led by the mounted police, bands, municipal fire brigade units, decorated vehicles of the rescue services, the post office, football clubs, television teams and press photographers follow.
After a while we escape the cold of the night and the hustle and bustle of the street to warm up with a hot coffee. Others had this idea. All street cafes on the edge of the moving mile are full of onlookers. There is a general festive mood and cheerful expectation.
A piece of coal for the children who were not good!
By the way, all children who were not good will only get a piece of coal on January 6th instead of gifts.
Traditionally, on January 6th, people eat the “Roscón de Reyes”, a cake in the form of a ring coated with sugar, almond chips and candied fruits. However, one should carefully bite it, as this pastry always contains a small surprise that – it is said – will bring luck to the one who finds it in his piece. Catalonia is a little king in the cake, the one who finds him in his piece is king for a day and is allowed to wear the crown that comes with it, and there is also a bean in the cake, and if you have it in your piece, you have to pay for the cake.
More: Girona – love at first sight, A walk through Girona, Girona: Living city with history.
