3 Kings Parade
It’s the 3 Kings of the Orient who bring gifts for the children in Catalonia, not Santa Claus, and they arrive on the night of January 5th. A fabulous parade takes place along the streets of Barcelona thick with crowds that line their route. The 3 Kings arrive in style, in an impressive sailing boat at Port Vell and are welcomed by the Mayor. Swapping the boat for camels, they begin their visit around the city.
Brightly coloured and sumptuously decorated floats follow, with on-board sound systems pumping out festive cheer, and several tons of sweets are thrown out onto the streets for the little ones (and not so little ones) to scoop up. “Elves” walk alongside the procession collecting wish-letters written by the children, who hope to wake up the next morning and find that the Kings have brought them presents.
Festive Lights Around Town
The streets of Barcelona are lit up by decorative festive lighting, from the small streets of the Gothic old town centre, to larger displays along main roads such as Gran Via and Passeig de Gràcia. La Rambla’s tree-lined boulevard becomes a magical walkway and the lights from the nearby department stores add a glamorous touch to the city centre.
The spectacular Montjuic Magic Fountain is a focal point, and whilst its famous music and light shows take place all year round a special Christmas show takes place every Friday and Saturday, every half hour between 19:00 and 21:00 every Friday and Saturday until early January.
