Even if Christmas begins at the same time as in the rest of the world, in Spain it lasts until the 6th of January after a nearly three-week school break. The last of the celebrations is The Three Wise Men, 3 kings that come for Christmas in Spain.
The Three Wise Men. The 3 kings that come for Christmas in Spain
5th of January : The Three Wise Men in Spain (Los Reyes Magos)
In terms of a child’s Christmas experience, this day is undoubtedly more important than Christmas Day, as generally the Three Wise Men bring way more presents than Santa.
The same way children from all over the world write letters to Santa, Spanish children pick their favourite out of the Three Wise Men and write their letters to them.
They come from the bible and they are:
- Melchor, who looks like Santa
- Gaspar, white and red-haired.
- Baltasar, black and most children’s favourite
Christmas parades with the Three Wise Men arriving to town being the main attraction, take place in every city.
Funnily enough, the Three Wise men are believed to come to Spain from the Orient by camel after giving their presents to baby Jesus, and children will leave a clean pair of shoes under the tree and some nibbles for them and their camels.
6th of January: The Roscon de Reyes and the presents from the 3 kings in Spain
On this day, families will get together, once again, to share a very special cake called “Roscón de Reyes,” a big roll that comes with a paper crown.
Inside each one there are two trinkets to be found: a small king – if you get it to get to wear the crown – and a bean – if you get it you have to pay for the cake.
The morning of the 6th of January children wake up to presents under the tree and this day is a bank holiday, so they get to play with their new toys all day long before going to school the day after.
- Do you want to know more about Christmas in Spain? Check out 5 fun facts about Christmas in Spain >
Save money on your trip to Spain to experience The Three Wise Men or the 3 kings!
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